Teachers Strike for Safety at Frédéric Faÿs High School Following Violent Assault
In a significant display of solidarity, teachers at Frédéric Faÿs High School in Villeurbanne, Rhône, are organizing a strike this Tuesday, September 24, following a violent incident where an economics teacher was assaulted by a student. The incident occurred on September 20, when the teacher confiscated the student's phone during class. At the end of the lesson, the student retaliated, striking the teacher in the face and chest, resulting in an eight-day total incapacity for work (ITT) for the victim.
The strike, backed by the CGT Educ'Action 69 union, aims to highlight the growing violence in schools and demand additional resources to improve the educational environment. Coline Wiatrowski, a union activist, emphasized the need for more school life resources, medical and social staff, and smaller class sizes to foster a peaceful atmosphere. The union's press release stated, "We can no longer accept the consequences of the degradation of public education services carried out in recent years."
Following the assault, the student involved has been subjected to a precautionary measure prohibiting him from accessing the school, and a disciplinary procedure is underway. The rectorate of the Lyon academy confirmed that a complaint was filed against the student, who may face permanent exclusion depending on the outcome of the disciplinary council.
In a show of unity, around fifty teachers met to discuss the situation and decided to walk out, expressing that they could not return to business as usual after such a traumatic event. The high school, which serves 1,400 students and is classified as REP+ (priority education), has been experiencing increasing concerns over safety and violence in recent years.
The situation at Frédéric Faÿs High School reflects a broader issue within the French education system, where teachers are increasingly calling for better support and resources to ensure a safe learning environment for both students and staff.
