Particle.news

Download on the App Store

French Education Minister Orders Deeper Investigation Into Decades of Abuse at Catholic School

Élisabeth Borne announces administrative inquiry into Le Beau Rameau after Bordeaux rectorate report uncovers compliance failures and implicates two teachers in alleged abuses.

Image
Des membres de l’Inspection académique de Bordeaux arrivent au groupe scolaire Le Beau Rameau, à Lestelle-Bétharram, le 17 mars.
La ministre de l’Éducation nationale Élisabeth Borne.
Élisabeth Borne, le 23 mars 2024. La ministre de l’éducation demande une inspection du groupe scolaire Le Beau Rameau, héritier de Notre-Dame de Bétharram.

Overview

  • The French Ministry of Education has launched an administrative investigation into Le Beau Rameau, formerly Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram, following decades-long abuse allegations.
  • A March inspection by the Bordeaux rectorate identified multiple compliance breaches and called for further investigation into two teachers accused of misconduct.
  • The institution has faced historical claims of physical and sexual violence, with recent student testimonies intensifying scrutiny of its practices.
  • The investigation forms part of a national effort to reform oversight and accountability in private Catholic schools under contract with the state.
  • The Cour des comptes previously criticized insufficient regulatory measures, prompting the Ministry to accelerate inspections and enforce stricter compliance standards.