'No one listens to us': France's mass student protests expose social and racial inequality

Students from disadvantaged suburbs in France are demanding better school conditions and equal opportunities as a nationwide protest against social and racial inequality continues into its third week. The demonstrations began in mid-September following a strike by students and staff at the Lycee Saint-Exupery in Creteil over teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities.

Within 10 days, the movement had spread nationwide, with approximately 250,000 people taking to the streets, including students, parents, teachers, and unionists.

The protesters demand renovated facilities, increased staffing, smaller class sizes, a fairer college application system, and an alternative to the current 8am-6pm school day. They are calling attention to the poor material conditions in many high schools, particularly in low-income areas, where buildings are in severe disrepair with leaks, damaged ceilings, rats, broken toilets, insufficient furniture, and overheating classrooms during heatwaves.

Class sizes are often overcrowded, reaching over 36 students in urban areas, and school days are excessively long. Teacher absences also disproportionately affect poorer areas.

The French state has been criticized for its use of force, deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons against protesters, leading to hundreds of injuries, some severe. Over 5,000 protestors have been arrested, 85% of them minors according to the ministry. While the government acknowledges the legitimacy of the grievances and pledges to address issues such as class sizes, daily schedules, teacher replacement mechanisms, and building conditions, billions of euros will be needed to renovate aging schools over the coming years.