Classes resumed on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Ormeaux college in Fontenay-aux-Roses, but tension remains high following a violent assault on an EPS teacher just two days prior. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, March 25, involved three 13-year-old youths, one of whom is a current student at the school, while the other two had been expelled, one at the beginning of the academic year and the other two years ago.
According to reports, the teacher was supervising her class outside when she confronted the trio, who were former students, for using the school's synthetic field without permission. After repeatedly asking them to leave, the situation escalated dramatically. The three youths verbally assaulted her before physically attacking, jumping on her back and attempting to strangle her. They struck her multiple times, chasing her for about 50 meters before throwing her bag and its contents into the mud. This shocking scene unfolded in front of 78 students, some of whom reportedly encouraged the attackers by shouting insults.
Two of the teacher's colleagues intervened to stop the assault, with one sustaining injuries while attempting to retrieve a phone from one of the assailants who was filming the incident. Municipal police were alerted and quickly arrived at the scene. Following the attack, the EPS teacher filed a formal complaint, and the rectorate reported the incident to the prosecutor's office.
The day after the assault, the school community was in a state of "profound shock," leading to the cancellation of classes. On Thursday morning, all students were gathered in the courtyard, where school officials conducted interventions in each classroom to clarify the events and quell any rumors circulating among the students.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of increasing violence in and around the college. Just a week prior, on March 20, two youths were stabbed in Fontenay-aux-Roses, one of whom was a former student of the Ormeaux college. In February, a similar assault occurred in nearby Bagneux, raising serious concerns about safety within educational institutions.
In a collective statement issued by the educational community, teachers expressed their feelings of helplessness regarding the situation, stating, "We, teachers and educational staff, are no longer able to fully ensure the safety of our students." They are calling for more resources, including additional supervision and support staff, as the college, originally designed to accommodate 500 students, is now hosting nearly 800.
In response to the incident, the rectorate announced that protective measures for the teacher have been implemented, and a disciplinary procedure is underway for the student involved in the attack. Furthermore, a support system for teachers and students has been activated to address the emotional fallout from the assault.
The Minister of National Education reached out to the affected teacher to offer her support, as did Alexandre Brugère, the prefect of Hauts-de-Seine. Brugère spoke with the teacher on the morning of Friday, March 28, 2025, and noted that while she is physically well, she has suffered significant emotional distress. He expressed concern over the fact that the attackers, aged just 13 or 14, are already known to police services. "This is obviously a tragedy for all of us that young people have reached such an extreme, especially at such a young age. The real question that must be asked, in my view, is about the role of parents," Brugère stated.
He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "The allegations are extremely serious, and the violence of the attack was significant. It is up to the justice system to evaluate the associated penalties. I hope that the judicial response will be strong and will question parental responsibility."
The collective statement from the teachers highlights a critical issue facing educational institutions today: the increasing violence and the challenges of maintaining a safe learning environment. As they prepare for potential mobilization to demand more action from authorities, the incident at Ormeaux college serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in school safety and support systems.
In the wake of these events, the educational community at Ormeaux college is determined to address the underlying issues contributing to the rise in violence. They are advocating for immediate action to ensure the safety of both students and staff, emphasizing that without significant changes, the cycle of violence may continue to escalate.
The situation at Ormeaux college is emblematic of broader societal challenges that need to be tackled head-on. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this attack, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, ultimately leading to a safer environment for education.
