Overview

• Evaëlle, an 11-year-old student, died by suicide in June 2019 after enduring bullying at school, with her French teacher accused of contributing to the harassment.
• The court acquitted the 62-year-old teacher, citing discordant and indirect evidence and ruling her actions as within the bounds of teacher authority.
• The prosecution had sought an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a permanent teaching ban, arguing the teacher’s behavior catalyzed peer harassment.
• Evaëlle’s parents, expressing outrage at the verdict, announced their intention to appeal, criticizing systemic failures in protecting vulnerable students.
• The case has reignited discussions about the need for educational reforms to address bullying and ensure accountability within schools.