Art Controversy Sparks Teacher Walkout in Paris
Education Minister Gabriel Attal has intervened in the ongoing dispute at Jacques-Cartier school, Issou, west of Paris, where a teacher's choice of artwork led to a walkout by colleagues.
The controversy began when a teacher showed the 17th-century painting "Diana and Actaeon" by Italian artist Giuseppe Cesari to their class, which triggered discomfort among some 11 and 12-year-old students.
According to Sophie Venetitay, secretary general of the Snes-FSU teachers' union, "Some students averted their gaze, felt offended, said they were shocked," and accused the teacher of making racist remarks during the discussion.
Following complaints from parents, tensions escalated, leading to a walkout by teachers who highlighted a "degraded climate" at the school.
This incident comes amid heightened sensitivity in French schools following the brutal murder of Samuel Paty in 2020, who was killed after displaying cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. False rumours are believed to have contributed to the tragic event, and six teenagers were recently convicted for their involvement in Paty's murder.
Education Minister Attal announced disciplinary measures against the students involved. The controversy also raises concerns about teachers' safety, echoing the fears expressed by educators at Jacques-Cartier school.
The school, which logged 10 incidents of discrimination or racism this term, has been grappling with a tense atmosphere, with teachers facing challenges from parents questioning coursework and punishments.
