Controversy at the Crous in Nice. Several people demonstrated in front of the establishment to protest against the non-renewal of housing leases for the summer of several students living in the university residence. They clearly accuse the organization of practicing a commercial policy to the detriment of the students.
The signs and slogans are very present in front of the CROUS. About fifteen people are occupying the entrance of the building. Their goal? To obtain an appointment with the director of the CROUS. Among them, Eric Cissé, president of the Senegalese students of Nice, is upset: “The policy of the CROUS goes against these students. They prefer to prioritize people participating in the Francophonie Games to the detriment of students at the universities in Nice. Since June 17th, the director has refused to meet with us.”
Eric Cissé’s anger also stems from the late refusal by the Crous services regarding the extension of leases for the summer. The housing contracts are set to expire on June 28th. He also points out discrimination against foreign students who are disadvantaged compared to French students. Faced with the determination of the protesters, the CROUS communications officer tries to calm things down. The conversation becomes heated, but the dialogue leads to a meeting with the director. First, the journalists and then the representatives of the protesters.
Jean Raymond Barbieux presents his version of events: “There is no planned eviction. These individuals are at the end of their rental contract. The continued housing of students in the university residences during the summer occurs only in the context of fulfilling a public service mission. We have indeed been solicited in relation to the Francophonie Games but only for the month of September.” It should be noted that for the summer, the CROUS housing criteria require the pursuit of studies and/or obtaining an internship or a work contract for the student. It is therefore not uncommon to see foreign students housed as part of a language study trip. Out of 10,000 housing requests, only 3,087 can be met due to the CROUS’s capacity. For September, 2,000 participants in the Francophonie games will be housed in residences. After a Q&A session with the journalists, Jean-Raymond Barbieux met with a delegation of protesters.
An hour later, the association leaders finally emerged: “We have obtained a commitment from the CROUS on the matter. The deadline of June 28th has been suspended until further notice for those who have applied for summer retention,” stated a representative of the “Right to Housing” association. A temporary victory for these students, most of whom do not know if they will be able to access CROUS housing next year.
