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Vibrant dialogues amidst hefty topics. On the Tuesday of the 6th of May, the discussions revolved around a proposed bill addressing the issue of anti-Semitism in higher education institutions. The conversation, however, didn't delve deep during an electrifying assembly session where jabs and harsh words exchanged. Only the first part of the text, wholeheartedly accepted in the Senate, faced a vote on this particular day, with the remaining discourse set for the following Wednesday afternoon.
What's the nitty-gritty of the bill adopted during the preliminary reading in the Senate? The adopted article inclines towards uplifting awareness about anti-Semitism and racism as part of the core objectives for academic institutions. The bill, supported by Pierre Henriet (Horizons) and Constance Le Grip (Ensemble pour la République group), also concentrates on reinforcing prevention mechanisms and reporting channels by making it obligatory for every educational institution to allocate dedicated liaisons focused on anti-racism and anti-Semitism eradication.
The surge of anti-Semitic occurrences
"Let no student feel apprehensive about participating in classes due to fear of encountering anti-Semitism", Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste highlighted right at the start of the debates. "Over the course of October 7, 2023, we've observed an alarming growth of anti-Semitic acts across our society, and unfortunately, higher-learning institutions haven't escaped its grasp", Baptiste added as the evening grew tense.
Heated discussions ensued as the night grew late. La France Insoumise, the lone group to vote against the initial article, desired to rewrite it to correspond with the criminal code's anti-discrimination definition that doesn't include the term "anti-Semitism". The Insoumis, who also questioned the insufficient funding for additional training, were accused by right-wing, far-right, and Macronist deputies of attempting to "minimize" anti-Semitism.
Minister for Combating Discrimination Aurore Bergé also countered the Insoumis, accusing them of adopting "strategic electoral maneuvers" and fueling fears towards "our Jewish compatriots"". France Insoumise leader Mathilde Panot retaliated by accusing Bergé of "completely misconstruing the facts" and using "anti-Semitism as a means to stifle voices advocating for peace regarding the Palestinian genocide".
Anti-Semitic incidents often go unpunished
Deputies will only delve deeper into Article 3 on Wednesday, causing even more uproar. This article was vetoed during its review in the assembly committee, and it proposes the creation of a "joint disciplinary section" for institutions within the same academic region, led by a member of the administrative jurisdiction. Co-rapporteur Pierre Henriet intends to defend the reintroduction of this provision through an amendment. It would empower college heads to delegate the disciplinary process for especially sensitive cases.
"Strengthening the disciplinary procedure is crucial, as these proceedings often drag on", and "anti-Semitic incidents are too seldom addressed"", estimated MoDem deputy Géraldine Bannier. However, the left remains opposed to Article 3. "The intention to professionalize disciplinary justice by relying on an administrative judge contradicts the traditions of autonomous universities", criticized ecologist deputy Steevy Gustave.
1. The bill adopted in the Senate's preliminary reading focuses on addressing the surge of anti-Semitic occurrences in French society, particularly in higher education institutions.2. Minister Philippe Baptiste highlighted the importance of ensuring that students don't fear participating in classes due to anti-Semitism, as he presented the proposed bill.3. The right-wing, far-right, and Macronist deputies accused the La France Insoumise group of attempting to minimize anti-Semitism, due to their desire to rewrite the bill to correspond with the criminal code's anti-discrimination definition that doesn't include the term "anti-Semitism".4. Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Combating Discrimination, accused the France Insoumise group of adopting "strategic electoral maneuvers" and fueling fears towards "our Jewish compatriots".5. In the upcoming discussions on Wednesday, deputies will discuss Article 3 of the bill, which proposes creating a joint disciplinary section for institutions within the same academic region, aiming to expedite the resolution of especially sensitive anti-Semitic incidents.
