# French School Principals Call for National Protest Against Rising Violence

Education union leaders demand police protection after series of violent attacks on school administrators.

- **Source:** [France Info – Titres](https://www.francetvinfo.fr)
- **Published:** 2026-11-09
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <https://www.franceinfo.fr/societe/education/blocage-des-lycees/nous-sommes-devenus-des-cibles-le-principal-syndicat-des-proviseurs-appelle-au-rassemblement-vendredi-13-novembre_8275154.html#xtor=RSS-3-[lestitres]>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/97516878-6711-4671-83ee-17c5d26d48dd

## Principals Declare Themselves Targets

The SNPDEN-Unsa union, representing French school administrators, has officially declared that principals have become targets of extreme violence. Nicolas Bonnet, the union's national secretary, stated that administrators are facing dangerous conditions, including projectile attacks and attempted intrusions. This declaration marks a significant escalation in the tension surrounding current student protest movements.

## Escalation of Urban Guerrilla Tactics

Recent incidents have reached alarming levels, with school leaders reporting burning trash bins and direct physical assaults. Specifically, a principal in Bègles was recently injured in the head by a projectile during student blockades. Nicolas Bonnet described these volatile situations as urban guerrilla warfare, highlighting the severe risks faced by staff.

## Call for National Mobilization

In response to these threats, the SNPDEN-Unsa has called for a national gathering of school principals. The protest is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at 3:00 PM in front of their respective establishments. This collective action aims to demonstrate solidarity among staff and demand urgent attention from the national government authorities.

## Demands for Police Intervention

The union is formally requesting the preventive deployment of law enforcement forces outside school buildings to ensure safety. They argue that current measures are insufficient to protect administrators from the ongoing unrest. By seeking a visible police presence, the union hopes to deter further violence and restore order within educational facilities.

## Pressure on Government Policy

Beyond immediate security needs, the union is urging the government to provide clear and decisive responses to the student movement. They emphasize the necessity of offering a resolution that can effectively end the current mobilization. This political pressure aims to address the root causes of the unrest affecting the national school system.

## Widespread Solidarity Among Staff

Solidarity is growing among educational staff, as evidenced by teachers at the Henri-Poincaré high school in Nancy. Three days after an assault on their deputy principal on November 6, staff members publicly expressed their support. This growing unity reflects a broader concern regarding the safety of school leadership across the country.

## Legal Consequences for Aggressors

Authorities have already begun taking action against those involved in the recent violence. Four young individuals were apprehended following the assault on the principal in Bègles, and two separate investigations have been opened. These legal proceedings underscore the severity of the attacks and the state's attempt to curb the rising disorder.

## Systemic Crisis in Education

The situation highlights a deepening crisis within French schools, where administrators find themselves caught between student protests and physical danger. The upcoming November 13 demonstration serves as a critical test for the government's ability to maintain safety in public institutions. The outcome will likely influence future policies regarding school security and management.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.franceinfo.fr/societe/education/blocage-des-lycees/nous-sommes-devenus-des-cibles-le-principal-syndicat-des-proviseurs-appelle-au-rassemblement-vendredi-13-novembre_8275154.html#xtor=RSS-3-[lestitres] — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
