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Bétharram Abuse Scandal Prompts Sweeping Reforms in French Catholic Schools

Élisabeth Borne unveils measures to address systemic violence and ensure accountability in private institutions as over 180 complaints surface.

Les ministres de la Justice et de l'Éducation nationale se rendent coup pour coup concernant la question du port du voile dans le sport.
Élisabeth Borne.
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Overview

  • The Bétharram case has been described by Élisabeth Borne as a 'MeToo moment' for schools, with testimonies of abuse liberating victims' voices.
  • Since October 2023, over 180 complaints of physical violence, sexual assaults, and rapes have been filed against Notre-Dame de Bétharram, now renamed Beau Rameau.
  • A collective of 2,000 former students has formed to share testimonies of abuse, highlighting systemic failures in private Catholic schools.
  • Élisabeth Borne announced reforms including mandatory reporting of violence, the deployment of the 'Faits établissements' application, and anonymous student questionnaires.
  • François Bayrou, accused of ignoring reports of violence during his tenure as Minister of Education, has avoided legal consequences due to insufficient evidence.