Rising Violence in Lyon High Schools
In a troubling escalation of violence, the Auguste-et-Louis-Lumière high school in Lyon's 8th arrondissement was targeted on Thursday morning by a group of hooded individuals who launched fireworks and set trash cans ablaze. This incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m., as students were arriving for classes. Witnesses reported that the chaos unfolded when approximately fifteen assailants attacked the school, with one pyrotechnic device injuring a teacher who attempted to intervene. The teacher suffered from severe tinnitus after a device exploded nearby, leading to their temporary withdrawal from the school.
Authorities, including the prefecture and the Minister Delegate for Academic Success, Alexandre Portier, condemned the violence, which follows a similar attack at the Tony-Garnier high school in Vénissieux. The prefecture noted a 12% decrease in school violence in the region this year, yet the recent events raise concerns about safety and security in schools. Portier called for unity among students, staff, and parents to combat the rising violence against educational institutions.
Government Response and Security Measures
In light of these violent incidents, regional officials have proposed eliminating financial aid for families of delinquent students and reiterated a €100 million plan aimed at enhancing security in high schools. This plan includes installing security gates and surveillance cameras, although current measures only monitor school grounds and not surrounding areas. Discussions are ongoing regarding additional security improvements at the Lumière high school, including a new access airlock that has yet to be approved.
The Lyon region has witnessed a series of violent events in schools, including a recent incident where a teacher was assaulted by a student. The community and educational leaders are now calling for stronger protective measures and resources to ensure the safety of students and staff in these challenging environments.
