Over 20 schools in France on high alert as threats of attacks prompt mass student evacuations amid heightened tension

Between the night of Tuesday and Wednesday, at least 20 schools in Paris received terrorist attack threats, affecting neighborhoods in the XII, XV, XIX, and XVI districts, as reported by the rectorate of the French capital. France is currently on “emergency attack alert” under the Vigipirate anti-terrorist plan after the recent terrorist attack in Russia by ISIS K, which also threatened France.

One of the affected schools, Pierre Alviset, in the V neighborhood of Paris, had to evacuate all students before 9 am due to threats of a terrorist nature. Another incident occurred at Jean de la Fontaine high school in the 16th neighborhood, where 1,700 students were sent home after a bomb alert forced the evacuation of the school building.

The messages received by schools via the ETN system referenced bomb threats accompanied by alarming content, leading to the closure of accounts that received the messages to prevent further exposure to students. In addition to the threats in Paris, dozens of high schools in the south of France also received similar threats, causing fear and concern among the educational community.

The situation is further exacerbated by tensions surrounding the issue of secularism and the use of the veil by Muslim students in schools, which has led to conflicts and threats against school officials. The recent resignation of the director of Lycée Maurice-Ravel in Paris after receiving death threats emphasizes the challenges faced by the education system in maintaining security and upholding secular values.

The incidents have sparked debates and criticism, with politicians and the public questioning the government’s ability to protect schools and ensure the safety of students and staff. The recent history of attacks on educators in France, such as the beheading of Professor Samuel Paty and the murder of teacher Dominique Bernard, highlight the ongoing threat of extremism within the education system.

As the authorities work to address the security concerns and investigate the threats, the education community remains on edge, grappling with the impact of terrorism on school environments and the safety of students and staff.