All students in France, starting from the first grade, are expected in their classes Monday morning for the return to school after the All Saints’ holiday. Between the tribute to Samuel Paty, security issues around the schools, and reinforced health protocols: it’s a return with three challenges.
The idea is to organize a tribute to Samuel Paty everywhere in France. Paty was a History-Geography teacher who was murdered two weeks ago for showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad during a lesson on freedom of expression. The Ministry of National Education worked on this day during the holiday.
A minute of silence is scheduled at 11 a.m., along with a reading of Jean Jaurès’ “Letter to Teachers.” As for the educational time dedicated to freedom of expression, it will be slightly delayed.
Additionally, the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, stated that materials have been provided to teachers for this day dedicated to the values of the Republic. Videos, in particular, featuring players from the French national football team, have been made.
However, some teachers are already concerned about potential incidents during the initial tribute. Security around certain schools will also be heightened in the coming days.
To this context, the implementation of the new health protocol must be added. Masks are mandatory from the age of six, and not all schools may be entirely ready on the first day.
