Caylus. They protested against the defense class

Defense classes, often praised, especially in a tense geopolitical context, also have their detractors.

On Thursday, at the call of several organizations and unions such as FO, CGT, or FSU, about fifty protesters came to the Pierre-Bayrou middle school to express their disapproval of this “war propaganda that has no place in the educational environment.” Among them were teachers, parents, and residents. The principal had a discussion with the two gendarmes present but did not communicate with the protesters.

The defense class has been in existence at this middle school for three years. For reference, it is a program dating back to 2005, created in partnership by the National Education and Defense ministries. There are 1,200 such classes in France, “including 12 in Tarn-et-Garonne,” according to one of the distributed leaflets. The aim is to “educate young people about defense,” say the two institutions. These classes are often located near a military camp to promote close cooperation, here in Caylus. The school’s board of directors must vote on its establishment and maintenance.