Conflans-Sainte-Honorine College to Honor Samuel Paty with Name Change
In a significant move, the municipal council of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (Yvelines) has unanimously voted to rename the Bois d'Aulne college in honor of Samuel Paty, the history-geography teacher tragically murdered in 2020. This decision, made during a council meeting on October 1, 2024, reflects a long-standing desire to commemorate Paty’s legacy and sacrifice in the field of education. The council's vote follows a similar endorsement from the college's board of directors on September 23, which also expressed support for the name change.
Mayor Laurent Brosse emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, "Four years have passed since the assassination of Samuel Paty. It was necessary to overcome a trauma... it is now our duty to honor the memory of Samuel Paty." The name change is expected to be formalized by the Yvelines departmental council shortly, marking a poignant tribute as the anniversary of Paty’s death approaches.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as the legal proceedings against those implicated in the attack are set to resume with a trial scheduled for November 4. The decision to rename the college serves as a powerful reminder of the values of freedom and education that Paty stood for, reinforcing the community's commitment to honor his memory and the principles he upheld.
