Nicole Belloubet, the Minister of National Education and Youth, is taking action to address recent threats and security concerns in schools across France. Following threats of attacks sent through school messaging systems and the departure of a high school principal at Maurice-Ravel school in Paris for security reasons, Belloubet is determined to enforce strict security measures. During a visit to a vocational high school in Bordeaux on March 29, she announced plans for a national mobile school security force to be deployed by the start of the 2024 school year. This force will consist of around twenty agents, including principals, psychologists, and inspectors, who can be dispatched within forty-eight hours in case of a crisis.
The new mobile school security force will be responsible for maintaining security within schools, as well as providing support and education during turbulent situations. While the announcement has been met with some skepticism from the education community, with questions about how it differs from existing mobile security teams, there is a general acceptance that any additional help is welcome. Since 2009, each academic region has had mobile security teams made up of education professionals tasked with securing, preventing, and providing assistance. However, some feel that these teams are not always adequately trained or equipped to handle the increasing tensions in schools.
At Maurice Ravel high school in Paris, existing mobile security teams were deployed in response to death threats made against the principal after a dispute with a student over wearing a veil. The decision to introduce a new national security force of twenty agents is seen as a reinforcement for these existing teams in more severe cases. Despite efforts to address concerns quickly, such as the increase in tensions and security issues within schools, some believe that the focus should be on preventing schools from becoming targets rather than solely managing security after incidents occur.
Sophie Vénétitay, the general secretary of the SNES-FSU teachers’ union, acknowledges the Minister’s efforts to address fears and concerns promptly. However, she highlights that the core issue lies in the fact that schools have now become targets for threats and attacks. While the new security force may assist with managing immediate security issues, it may not be able to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. Vénétitay also points out the potential shortcomings of existing mobile security teams, including inadequate training, staffing shortages, and variable performance across different academic regions.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding school security in France, there is a shared recognition of the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for students and educators. The introduction of a national mobile school security force marks a significant step towards enhancing security measures and ensuring rapid responses to crises within schools. As the education community continues to navigate the complexities of security threats and social tensions, it remains crucial to prioritize proactive measures to prevent incidents and foster a culture of safety and inclusivity within educational institutions.
