Paris – 17.06.2026: Amid growing concerns about sexual abuse of minors in the school environment, Education Minister Edouard Geffray has called for a “systematic suspension” of school staff upon such allegations. This measure aims to stabilize the situation during ongoing administrative investigations and to ensure the protection of the affected children. Geffray emphasized that such an approach is necessary to preserve the integrity of the education system and to strengthen public trust.
In addition to suspension, the minister plans to introduce a “blacklist” of individuals who are permanently banned from accessing educational institutions. This list will not only include those legally convicted but also individuals subject to disciplinary measures due to behaviors deemed inappropriate toward minors. The goal is to ensure that former staff members cannot be re-employed in other educational institutions.
This initiative is part of a broader legislative proposal to improve child protection, currently under discussion in the French government. The law envisages, among other things, regular and systematic reviews of the suitability of persons working with children, as well as the creation of a central register accessible to educational institutions to guarantee the safety of pupils.
Reactions to these proposals are mixed. While many welcome the enhanced protective measures, some experts warn of potential legal challenges and emphasize the need to safeguard the rights of the individuals concerned. It is stressed that the measures must be implemented carefully to ensure both child protection and the rights of the accused.
In the past, the Ministry of Education has already taken steps to strengthen child protection. In April 2026, Cristelle Gillard was appointed Delegate for Child Protection in Schools to coordinate prevention and response to abuse cases. Moreover, since 2022, suitability checks on school staff have increased by 70%, especially in extracurricular areas.
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to restore public confidence in the safety of schools. Minister Geffray’s planned measures represent a further step in this process, with precise implementation and legal implications still requiring careful scrutiny.
Discussions about child protection in education are expected to intensify in the coming months, particularly in view of the forthcoming legislation and the associated practical challenges.