Going behind the scenes of French educational culture.
As you may have heard over this last year, several French universities have been at the epicenter of public and serious scandals, especially at Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, or Sciences Po. Accusations were brought to light due to several brave women willing to publicly denounce sexual violence inside these schools. This year, notorious French universities have been exposed to a #METOO movement with claims that have called into question regarding the cult of elite French institutions and the untouchable aura that surrounds them.
Sciences Po, École Supérieure de Journalisme de Paris (ESJ,) Mines ParisTech, and other elite universities are world-renowned as the best of the best, they welcome hundreds of new and ambitious students each year as well as forging an “elite” culture.
Sciences Po, a French symbol and one of the most prestigious institutions, was one of the main targeted schools. It all started when a student at its Toulouse campus published a powerful open letter on Facebook detailing the assault, she had been a victim hence accused her school of being silent. From there, a snowball effect started and more Institutes of Political Studies (IPS) students started breaking their silence by coming forward with aggressions they had undergone. Some assaults were conducted at school, while some were independent. Once anonymous student at Sciences Po Paris stated, “school is a big part of our lives, so naturally we rely on them to help us.” More than 100 testimonies emerged from former and current students.
These IPS have been accused by many students of ignoring scandals, including: rape, sexual aggression, bullying, psychological abuse, dangerous hazing, and numerous other actions. Furthermore, some students even denounced the homophobic and sexist atmosphere on campus. Many Institutes of Political Studies were the subject of investigations regarding the claims. A new hashtag #SciencesPorcs was created to denounce sexual violence occurring in Sciences Po. The hashtag was one of the most discussed subjects this year as students recounted their stories, wanting their messages to be heard via Twitter. Numerous students had the impression that large institutions preferred keeping their reputations intact, rather than dealing with the damaging allegations. These testimonies had one element in common: their school’s silence.
Manifestations, blockades, signs on the school gates created by students and French citizens started mobilizing, giving support to these victims and to denounce the unspoken nature of these schools. Marlène Schiappa, the Minister of Citizenship, gave her support to the victims, “who courageously denounce the facts.”
This year, thanks to a new wave of bravery, universities and schools had to face similar accusations head on, without turning a blind eye. Fortunately, following these scandals, a group was put in place – under the Sciences Po’s direction – committed to the fight against sexual violence.
We hope for the best since there is still, a long way to go.
