France: School cannot be renamed in honor of Samuel Paty for fear of Islamist attacks

The affair is causing a stir within this commune of the Var. During a City Council scheduled for Ollioules on January 30, the citizens had to decide on a possible name change of the college "Les Eucalyptus". But the issue was eventually removed from the list of debates.

At issue: the name that the mayor wished to give to the school, that of "Samuel Paty", in tribute to the history and geography teacher assassinated on October 16, 2020 in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine during an Islamist terrorist attack .

I wanted to pay tribute to this professor killed in horrible conditions. It is for me a strong symbol of the Republic", explained Robert Beneventi, elected mayor to France Bleu. An agreement had also been found with the family of the late teacher.

Another form of homage
But that was without counting on an internal consultation in the municipality, which showed major differences of opinion on this subject. Thus, 100% of teachers, 89% of parents and 69% of students opposed this proposal.

"It makes us targets when we don't need it. It's taking a risk that can be avoided. Then, it's a bit of a shame to have a name that has no connection with our municipality", explains Sandra Olivier, professor of mathematics and SNES representative, still interviewed by France Bleu, who also argues that a rue Arnaud Beltrame was recently inaugurated in the town. Beltrame was a lieutenant colonel in the French Gendarmerie nationale and deputy commander of the Departmental Gendarmerie's Aude unit, who was murdered by an ISIS terrorist at Trèbes after having exchanged himself for a hostage.

Contacted by BFMTV.com, Robert Beneventi assured not to want to expound on the subject in the press. "I don't blame them because it is the general state of mind of our country", he had already confided.
"There will be a solution for a new tribute, there will be a meeting next Monday and everyone is thinking about it", explained the mayor.

"It has been suggested that we let it go; this is not the case. We can also pay tribute with annual commemorative ceremonies, frescoes, and above all by continuing to promote freedom of expression", concludes Sandra Olivier, interviewed by Le Figaro.

Source: BFM TV.com