Region proposes student responsibilization

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region proposed a plan to make high school students responsible for damages they cause, using a process called "responsabilization." This idea was presented in a report during a full assembly session on October 22, following a press conference.

Measure based on national decree

The proposal is grounded in a national decree from May 28, 2026, which outlines disciplinary procedures for secondary education students. The region, which has a 5 billion euro budget, aims to expand a system already used in some high schools within the region.

Sanctions include repair work

According to Fabrice Pannekoucke, the region’s president, students found responsible for damages would be required to perform tasks like repainting walls or cleaning. He noted that this kind of sanction had not been used before in the region’s schools.

Conditional aid for youth

The report also suggests that individual aids for young people could be withheld if they exhibit "uncivil behavior." However, the regional socialist opposition pointed out that a similar rule was previously annulled by a court in Lyon in 2024 for lacking a clear definition of the term.

Region allocates funds for repairs

In addition to the responsibilization plan, the region announced a 10 million euro fund to repair high schools damaged in recent weeks. Vice President Catherine Staron said this amount could increase to 20 million euros if necessary, emphasizing the region’s approach of "protect, repair, and responsibilize."

Student movement impacts schools

Since the start of the student movement, 300 events have occurred around or inside high schools in the region. About 133 schools had to temporarily close, affecting roughly a third of the students in the area. The community has filed 137 complaints since the movement began.