Report reveals decades of abuse in French schools where children endured horrifying mistreatment.

Landmark Report Reveals Systemic Failures Across French Schools

In a powerful and harrowing 330-page report, French lawmakers have exposed a disturbing pattern of systemic child abuse and institutional silence spanning decades within the country’s educational system. The report accuses the state of enabling “structural dysfunctions” in its handling of abuse allegations, uncovering widespread failures across both public and private educational institutions.

“Children across France were subjected to monstrosities,” wrote Fatiha Keloua Hachi, president of the parliamentary committee, who described the three-month investigation as a “deep dive into the unthinkable.”

Testimonies Reveal Longstanding Culture of Silence

The inquiry, co-led by Violette Spillebout of President Macron’s Renaissance party and Paul Vannier of the opposition France Unbowed (LFI), gathered testimonies from 140 individuals, including survivors of abuse, educators, and experts. While cases spanned many educational settings, Catholic schools were highlighted as particularly affected due to rigid hierarchical structures and a deep-rooted “law of silence.”

The report uncovered that not only victims, but teachers, clergy, and civil servants often stayed silent or actively concealed the abuse. The culture of obedience ingrained in some religious teaching orders was cited as a major factor preventing disclosure.

Historian Highlights Dangerous Obedience Culture

Historian Claude Lelièvre provided critical context, explaining that religious teaching institutions fostered an extreme obedience culture. “Obedience was considered a virtue,” Lelièvre noted, adding that educators were seen as “divine representatives,” which discouraged students and staff alike from questioning authority or reporting misconduct.

In contrast, public schools were described as placing greater emphasis on dialogue, understanding, and mutual agreement, aiming to create learning environments based on reason rather than fear or reverence for authority figures.

Urgent Reforms Demanded by Lawmakers

The parliamentary report concludes with a resounding call for sweeping reforms. These include:

• Mandatory reporting mechanisms

• Independent oversight bodies

• Improved protection for whistleblowers and victims

• Reforms in teacher training to prioritize child protection and ethical conduct

Lawmakers stress that the failure to act must no longer be tolerated. The report urges the French government to introduce policies that guarantee student safety, hold institutions accountable, and foster transparency throughout the education sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did the French parliamentary report uncover?
The report revealed decades of systemic child abuse within French schools and accused state institutions of failing to act, particularly in Catholic educational settings.

2. Who led the investigation?
The inquiry was led by Fatiha Keloua Hachi, with co-leaders Violette Spillebout (Renaissance party) and Paul Vannier (France Unbowed – LFI).

3. Why were Catholic schools highlighted?
Catholic institutions were found to have a stronger culture of obedience and silence, which contributed to the concealment of abuse cases over many years.

4. What role did obedience play in the cover-up?
In religious schools, obedience to authority was viewed as a core virtue, discouraging students and staff from questioning or reporting abuse.

5. What reforms are being proposed?
The report calls for mandatory reporting of abuse, independent monitoring, enhanced victim protections, and structural reforms in teacher training and school governance.

6. Will this report lead to criminal charges?
The report itself is focused on legislative and policy reform. However, it may pave the way for further investigations and potential legal proceedings.