Students Take to Paris Streets Against Reform

An estimated 150,000 students from across France marched in the streets of Paris today demanding the withdrawal of proposed education reforms that would tighten admission policies and increase tuition.

Shouting “down with selection,” college and high school students and instructors gathered at the Place de la Bastille, where the 1789 French Revolution was born, for a five-mile march to a site near the National Assembly, where the bill is expected to reappear for debate late next week.

Delegations from Paris campuses were followed by groups from other cities arranged in alphabetical order. Hundreds of others joined the march along the route.

A bill for more selective university admissions policies and increased fees was introduced by the government last month but massive protests last week forced its withdrawal from National Assembly debate. The measure was sent to a parliamentary committee for review.

Protest organizers said 1 million students were expected to join the Paris demonstration today but police said the number was 150,000 at mid-afternoon.

‘Save Our Future’

Closely watched by a police helicopter overhead, the chanting demonstrators carried banners calling for withdrawal of the bill. Students spray painted “save our future” and other slogans on street signs and the side of cafes and shops.

Minutes after the march began, Education Minister Rene Monory and the bill’s author, Higher Education Minister Alain Devaquet, said they would meet with students tonight to discuss possible changes. Leftist factions said they would refuse to meet with the ministers.

The reforms would allow universities to raise entrance fees and require extra admissions tests. Also, high school diplomas would state where their graduates studied, giving universities the ability to select students from preferred schools.

The left has labeled the education proposal “elitist” and organized surprisingly strong student action against the bill.