The Trial of a Teacher Under Strain: Serious Charges with Heavy Consequences

The Pontoise criminal court opens, this Monday, March 10, a poignant trial: that of a 62-year-old teacher accused of harassing several students, including Evaëlle, an 11-year-old schoolgirl who died by suicide in June 2019 in Val-d’Oise. The proceedings, scheduled to last several days, could extend until Wednesday, March 12.

The teacher, under judicial supervision for five years, faces up to two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros. Although she was cleared of involuntary manslaughter, the investigation revealed a recurring pattern of humiliation and isolation towards the young victim, corroborated by numerous student testimonies.

A Toxic School Climate and Ignored Warning Signs

Evaëlle had joined Isabelle-Autissier Middle School in Herblay, where she had suffered bullying since elementary school. In addition to the violence and mockery from some classmates, the student experienced increasing tensions with her French teacher, particularly regarding the implementation of a medical protocol for her back problems. The situation worsened during a session on school bullying, where the teacher allegedly encouraged students to voice their criticisms aloud, bringing Evaëlle to tears.

The effects of this hostile environment were devastating: growing isolation, behavioral issues, and self-destructive tendencies. Despite changing schools in February 2019, relationship difficulties persisted. On June 21, 2019, after an altercation with a classmate, Evaëlle was found hanged in her room by her father.

A Teacher in Denial, Parents Seeking Justice

Despite overwhelming testimonies, the teacher vehemently denies the accusations. She defends herself by claiming she was unaware of the consequences of her behavior and asserts that she maintained a strict but caring teaching approach. “I loved my job and practiced it with passion. I am being attributed intentions I never had,” she stated.

For Evaëlle’s parents, this trial is an opportunity to shed light on the institutional failures that led to this tragedy. They hope that justice will acknowledge not only the teacher’s multiple wrongdoings but also those of the school system, which failed to protect their daughter.

Since the tragedy, anti-bullying laws have evolved: since March 2022, school harassment has been recognized as a criminal offense. A step forward in preventing such tragedies, but a painfully late relief for Evaëlle’s family, who now fight to ensure that such a story never happens again.