Creteil:A student-led movement in France has resulted in the full or partial closure of up to 500 schools, with students aged 15 to 18 protesting against understaffed schools and overcrowded classrooms. The protests, which began in the Paris suburbs, have spread to cities including Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Nantes, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Rennes.

According to Anadolu Agency, the movement originated from a protest at Lycee Saint-Exupery in Creteil, southeast of Paris, on September 21, addressing unfilled teaching positions and insufficient resources. These issues, prevalent in other schools, particularly those in lower-income suburbs, have led to high teacher absences, staff turnover, and aging infrastructure.

The Union Syndicale Lyceenne (USL), a high school student union, called for nationwide blockades on September 29, coinciding with a public-sector protest. Within a week, demonstrations or blockades were reported at about 410 high schools, peaking at more than 1,000 affected institutions before decreasing to 735 by October 2.

Student demands include filling vacant teaching positions more promptly, reducing class sizes, hiring additional support staff, and improving building safety and maintenance. They also criticize Parcoursup, France's university admissions system, for its lack of transparency and alleged disadvantage to students from less affluent backgrounds. The USL and Union Etudiante have expanded the campaign to address university funding, student poverty, and social and racial inequalities.

The protests have affected not only high schools but also around 100 middle schools and some universities. School closures have led to missed lessons and a shift to remote learning, exacerbating educational inequality due to unequal access to necessary equipment and study environments.

The unrest has impacted education staff, with Education Minister Edouard Geffray reporting 78 injuries among employees and 24 institutions being burned or ransacked. The movement's rapid growth is attributed to coordinated efforts by student unions and support from parents and labor unions. However, authorities have reported urban violence near 158 schools, with more than 5,000 protesters arrested, the majority of whom are minors. The government claims far-left activists and outsiders have exacerbated the violence.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has initiated work on five areas: replacing absent teachers, renovating buildings, improving timetables, increasing the transparency of Parcoursup, and responding to student proposals. Initial decisions, including funding, are expected by the end of October, with legislation proposed to hold vandals accountable for damages.