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Islamist Mohammed M.* (20) kills high school teacher Dominique Bernard († 57) in Arras, northern France. Almost exactly three years after his professional colleague Samuel Paty († 47) was beheaded in a suburb of Paris – also by an Islamist.
Someone who can explain what this means for the teaching profession in France is Pierre Mathiot (57). He is director of the Institute of Political Science at the University of Lille and an expert on the French education system. Look meets him in his office.
Teachers in crisis in France
Mathiot says: “Since the attack on Paty, teachers in France have been saying: ‘My work has become dangerous.’” In fact, “The attack on Paty in 2020 was targeted. But in Arras, the killer’s real target was the school principal. So Bernard was a random victim.” The feeling that teachers now have to live and work with: ‘It can happen to anyone.’ In short: “The teachers are afraid.” And this in a situation where the teaching profession is already in crisis: “Teachers in France are underpaid.”
It would be the ‘best job in the world’, Mathiot emphasizes. Namely: “Teaching young people something.” And it is also a originally safe job. «Working in a neutral place that is not directly affected by the unrest in this world. School is a sensitive place that you don’t touch, like a hospital.”
But the attacker’s attack on the teacher was not just an attack on the school institution, but on France in general, the professor said. “The perpetrator targeted the school director. This stands for the school of the Republic, for France.”
“Parents need to understand that sex education is part of it.”
Now it is even more important to respond correctly to this attack on French values. For example: “If a young student in history class says that the teacher is not allowed to tell anything about the Holocaust.”
The right response according to the expert: “Make it clear to him that the Holocaust is taught in France. And at the same time take his statement seriously.” This means: “Inform, involve and educate families.” This also applies to other topics: “Parents must understand that sex education and swimming lessons are part of that in France.”
‘Islamists have found something to eat’
It is important that the teacher acts as an educator: “and not as a punisher who imposes sanctions.” Because: “If you throw the student out of the school system, he ends up on the street. There he is a target for Islamists who radicalize him.”
In general, the discourse and information between teachers and students must be improved, according to the political scientist. The most recent example: “On Monday afternoon a memorial event for the man who died in Arras took place at the school my partner’s son attends.” The problem: “No one gave a speech and explained to the students why they meet and remember each other on the playground.” The students would then be fooled.
*Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
