A violent classroom revolt is becoming France's next big crisis

Students gather during a demonstration near Lycée Deodat high school in Toulouse, south-western France, on Oct. 1, 2026. Ed Jones | Afp | Getty ImagesHundreds of schools were closed across France on Friday, after a swathe of student protests turned violent. More than 400 schools were shut in the aftermath of the rallies, which saw thousands of students mobilize to voice their discontent with run-down school buildings, long days and teacher shortages.French high school days can stretch from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on timetables. The country's Interior Ministry reportedly said 1,027 of France's roughly 3,700 lycées, or high schools, were affected Thursday, including 222 that were blockaded.Students carry out a blocking protest at the Cesar Baggio secondary school in Lille on September 29, 2026.Sameer Al-doumy | Afp | Getty ImagesThe rallies turned increasingly violent this week, with some protesters clashing with police and setting fire to schools and vehicles. Dozens of educational staff, hundreds of police officers and more than 100 pupils are said to have been injured since the protests began, according to the French press.Protests were held across the country as the movement,...