High school movement: "Violence should never be an acceptable way of protesting or maintaining order"

Student Protests Escalate After Police Intervention at High School in Saint-Denis A confrontation involving police officers and students erupted Thursday at the Paul-Eluard high school in Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis, sparking widespread protests and calls for the resignation of the principal. According to teachers and students, police in civilian clothes entered the school grounds and used force against both students and adults attempting to intervene. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from educators and pupils alike, who accuse the authorities of excessive use of force and question the role of the principal in allowing the operation. The unrest began early Thursday morning as students organized another blockade outside the school, one of the most publicized institutions since the start of the student movement. According to staff members interviewed by AFP, police allegedly charged at students, used tear gas, insulted them, and struck both young people and adults trying to protect them. The situation escalated further inside the school building. According to several staff members, the principal summoned a student into his office before allowing police to carry out an arrest for alleged “insult” offenses. Videos shared with AFP show police officers in civilian clothing, including one wearing a “police” armband, detaining a teenager while adults attempted to intervene. Some teachers claim colleagues were hit during the operation. The police confirmed that the Brigade Anti-Criminalité (BAC) entered the school to arrest a student accused of “insult.” They stated the operation was conducted with the principal’s approval, explaining that law enforcement can legally enter a school upon request or with the principal's authorization. In total, four individuals were arrested during the incident, and two police officers sustained injuries, one after receiving a punch to the face and the other a kick to the head. Teachers and students have strongly condemned the police intervention. Later Thursday afternoon, students and teachers held a sit-in within the school demanding the principal’s resignation. The demonstration later moved to the Saint-Denis police station, where hundreds gathered. A teacher described the events in the principal’s office as an “absolute scandal,” stating that a “total red line had been crossed.” Several students expressed concern over their safety at the school. One 17-year-old senior told AFP he no longer felt safe at the institution. He claimed the issue was not with the police as an institution but with individual officers. The controversy could lead to changes in how the school operates. An educator warned that teaching would not resume until the principal resigns, fearing increased tensions. Another teacher noted that the entire educational community was shocked, except for some in the hierarchy. The principal did not comment on the events and referred inquiries to the communications department of the Créteil regional education authority. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between students and law enforcement amid nationwide school blockades. While the police maintain their actions were lawful, critics argue that the use of force was disproportionate and that the principal played a controversial role in facilitating the operation. As the situation unfolds, the focus will remain on whether legal and administrative measures will address the concerns raised by the school community.