Paris – 17.06.2026: Amid growing concern about sexual abuse of minors in the school environment, Education Minister Edouard Geffray has demanded a “systematic suspension” of school staff in cases of such allegations. This measure is intended to stabilize the situation during ongoing administrative investigations and to ensure the protection of the children involved. Geffray emphasized that such an approach is necessary to maintain the integrity of the education system and to strengthen public trust.
In addition to the suspension, the minister plans to introduce a “blacklist” of individuals who will be permanently denied access to educational institutions. This list will not only include people who have been definitively convicted, but also those who have faced disciplinary measures for behavior deemed inappropriate towards minors. The aim is to prevent former employees from being rehired elsewhere in education.
This initiative is part of a broader legislative proposal to improve child protection, which is currently being discussed within the French government. The law provides, among other things, for regular and systematic assessments of the suitability of people working with children, as well as the establishment of a central register that educational institutions can consult to ensure the safety of students.
The reactions to these proposals are mixed. While many welcome the strengthened protective measures, some experts warn of possible legal challenges and emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of the individuals concerned. It is stressed that the measures must be implemented carefully to guarantee both the protection of children and the rights of the accused.
In the past, the Ministry of Education has already taken steps to strengthen child protection. For example, in April 2026, Cristelle Gillard was appointed as delegate for child protection in schools, tasked with preventing and coordinating responses to cases of abuse. Additionally, since 2022, background checks on school staff have increased by 70%, especially in the out-of-school sector.
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to restore public confidence in the safety of schools. Minister Geffray’s planned measures represent a next step in this process, with the precise implementation and legal implications needing to be carefully considered.
Discussions about child protection in education are expected to intensify in the coming months, especially in light of the upcoming legislative approval and the associated practical challenges.