France to shutter up to 500 schools as more student protests called

French authorities plan to suspend classes fully or partly at as many as 500 high schools on Monday. Education Minister Geffray said security requirements had not been met.

He reported that 24 schools had been damaged by fire or looting since demonstrations began. At least 170 students and 78 education staff have been hurt, according to the minister.

The protests began at a suburban Paris high school on September 17. Students and teachers raised concerns about staffing shortages, long school days and other issues; actions have since spread across the country.

Demonstrations have included class stoppages, school blockades and marches, with some incidents turning violent. Organisers have called for protests to resume, while critics say police responses have been excessive.

Amnesty International has urged authorities to hear students’ concerns rather than suppress their demonstrations. The number of schools affected Monday is expected to be similar to Friday’s, Geffray said.