At the Honoré-de-Balzac middle school in Nemours, Seine-et-Marne, students are now prohibited from wearing clothing that displays the colors of a sports team while on school grounds. This rule, part of the school’s internal regulations since the start of the 2026 school year, specifically targets jerseys from football clubs and national football teams. While the regulation does not explicitly name football, it is clearly the focus of the restriction. The decision was made in response to conflicts observed in the schoolyard. A teacher who spoke with the local news outlet 20 Minutes mentioned that there had been "conflicts in the courtyard," suggesting that tensions were linked to rivalries between students supporting different football teams. The measure, according to the Créteil academy—which oversees the school—is intended to create a "peaceful environment conducive to learning." The school administration has confirmed that the rule was approved by academic authorities and adopted by the school board, known as the Conseil d'Établissement (CA), before the school year began. This board is responsible for defining the rules of life within the institution and outlining the rights and responsibilities of the school community. If the CA deems it necessary, the internal regulations can be reviewed and modified accordingly. The new rule applies to clothing that shows support for sports teams, but the school has emphasized that students will not be expelled solely for violating this provision. If a student has no other clothing to wear, the school is required to provide a t-shirt as an alternative. It is important to note that this is a local decision and does not represent a national policy for middle schools in France. Each school has the authority to set its own dress code within the legal framework, and in Nemours, the ban is directly tied to the specific situation of student conflicts linked to football rivalries. The school’s approach reflects a broader trend in educational institutions aiming to address behavioral issues through targeted regulations. While the rule may spark debate, the administration has made it clear that the goal is to maintain a safe and focused learning environment. Students are still allowed to express their interests in sports, as long as they do so in a way that does not disrupt the school’s atmosphere or contribute to conflicts.