Overview

• A sixth-form pupil named Gabrielle described years of racist abuse, including being called “monkey,” hearing racial slurs on WhatsApp groups and being told it was better to be dyslexic than black.
• She alleged some teachers made xenophobic remarks such as “king of the jungle” and “close to monkey,” a practice she says fuelled casual racism among students.
• Headteacher Catherine Bellus-Ferreira authorised the article’s publication and has overseen investigations into about a dozen secondary pupils accused of racist behaviour.
• Pupils found guilty of racist conduct can face up to eight days’ suspension and are required to attend newly introduced anti-discrimination workshops as part of the school’s response.
• Several parents of non-white students have said they may move their children elsewhere, underscoring broader concerns over racism in the French education system.