Addressing Systemic Segregation in French Schools
In the bustling heart of Saint-Denis, Paris, a diverse group of activists, students, and campaigners gathered for a workshop with Systemic Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting for racial, social, and economic justice through strategic litigation. The workshop, co-hosted with the youth-led association Ghett’Up, explored how the power of the law could be leveraged to dismantle the longstanding issue of segregation in the French education system.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of a critical moment in the country’s political landscape – a high-stakes election had just concluded, leaving a tense and uncertain atmosphere. Amidst this climate, the workshop participants were determined to find ways to tackle the systemic inequalities that plague the French school system, which have been described as “the most unequal in the world.”
Uncovering Entrenched Segregation
France’s education system has long been plagued by social and racial segregation, with stark disparities in resources and opportunities between schools serving marginalized communities and those in more affluent areas. A 2015 international comparative study commissioned by the French government revealed a relatively high level of “social segregation” in the country’s middle and high schools compared to other nations.
Despite government rhetoric about promoting equality in schools, progress has been slow and lackluster. In 2019, France’s education system was named “the most unequal in the world,” a damning indictment of the persistent structural barriers that continue to divide the country’s students along socioeconomic and racial lines.
Furthermore, even as the previous government claimed to prioritize tackling school segregation, its actions often undermined these stated goals. In 2023, the government introduced abaya bans in schools, a move that marginalized and discriminated against Muslim women and girls.
The harsh reality is that schools located in areas with high concentrations of racially, socially, and economically marginalized communities often suffer from a severe lack of resources. From teacher shortages that result in lost lessons, to shortages in nurses and social workers, these under-resourced institutions struggle to provide the support and environment necessary for all students to thrive.
In some cases, the physical conditions of these schools have also been reported to be subpar, with students learning in classrooms with poor hygiene, insulation, heating, and ventilation. This further exacerbates the disparities and disadvantages faced by students from marginalized backgrounds.
Exploring Strategic Litigation
It was against this backdrop of entrenched systemic injustice that the Systemic Justice workshop in Paris sought to empower participants with the tools and knowledge to harness the power of strategic litigation. The aim was to equip the diverse group of activists, students, and campaigners with the understanding and strategies necessary to tackle the issue of school segregation through the judicial system.
The workshop utilized Systemic Justice’s “Conversation Starter” and “Guide for Legal Action” resources, which have been made available in French as “Aller en justice? Des clés pour en parler” and “Recours stratégiques en justice: le guide.” These materials provided a comprehensive introduction to the concept of strategic litigation and explored how the courts have been leveraged in long-term campaigns for justice, both within France and internationally.
Participants delved into case studies, such as the fight against Roma school segregation in the Czech Republic and the overturning of Austria’s hijab ban in schools. They also examined the long and ongoing battle for desegregation in the United States, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education cases.
During the second half of the workshop, the participants split into breakout groups to begin brainstorming and shaping potential litigation strategies that could be applied to tackle segregation in the French education system. By the end of the session, the group had identified a set of clear objectives and goals that could form the foundation for a comprehensive legal action plan.
As one participant shared, “The tools offered by Systemic Justice will enable me to continue my learning, but I don’t know of any other resources to deepen my knowledge.” This sentiment underscored the pressing need for resources and support to empower communities in their fight for educational equity and justice.
Building a Movement for Change
The Paris workshop was part of Systemic Justice’s broader efforts to “Build the power of communities, movements and collectives in their fight for racial, social, and economic justice.” It accompanied the launch of the organization’s Community Toolkit for Change, a set of resources designed to help communities explore the potential of strategic litigation as a tool for transformation.
Systemic Justice, founded by human rights lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow, is committed to radically transforming how the law works for communities fighting for justice and equality. By centering the voices and experiences of those directly affected by systemic injustice, the organization seeks to help dismantle the power structures that perpetuate racial, social, and economic inequalities.
The workshop in Paris was not an isolated event, but rather a part of Systemic Justice’s ongoing work to support community-driven litigation efforts around the world. The organization’s collaborative approach and dedication to building the capacity of grassroots movements have proven invaluable in the fight for equitable access to education and other fundamental rights.
As the participants left the workshop, they shared a range of emotions and insights that captured the significance of the day’s discussions. Words like “empowered,” “hopeful,” and “determined” reflected the sense of purpose and resolve that had taken root among the attendees, who were now armed with the knowledge and tools to challenge the systemic injustices plaguing the French education system.
Systemic Justice’s unwavering commitment to community-driven litigation for racial, social, and economic justice continues to inspire and empower those on the frontlines of the struggle for a more equitable and inclusive future. As the organization returns to Paris to build on the momentum generated by the workshop, the fight for educational equality in France is poised to gain even greater traction, with the courts serving as a powerful battleground for transformative change.
Conclusion
The Systemic Justice workshop in Paris was a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle to dismantle the systemic segregation and inequality that have long plagued the French education system. By equipping a diverse group of activists, students, and campaigners with the knowledge and strategies of strategic litigation, the workshop empowered participants to harness the power of the law in pursuit of educational justice.
As the participants left the workshop, their shared sense of determination and hope underscored the vital role that community-driven litigation can play in dismantling the entrenched structures of racial, social, and economic injustice. With the support of Systemic Justice and its growing network of allies, the fight for l’égalité scolaire in France is poised to gain new momentum, as the country’s education system is challenged to live up to its fundamental principles of equality and accessibility for all.
Through the integration of the workshop’s insights and the organization’s ongoing efforts, the path towards a more equitable and inclusive education system in France is becoming clearer. By leveraging the power of strategic litigation, communities can unlock new pathways to dismantle the systemic barriers that have long denied so many students the opportunity to thrive. The fight for educational justice in France is far from over, but with the tools and resources provided by Systemic Justice, the future looks increasingly hopeful.
