(en) France, Alternative Libertaire AL #227 - Universities LRU, bad result (fr)

Socialist Minister has prepared a new law to reform higher education and Research, in 
perfect continuity with the policies of his predecessor-es. Faced with this attack, the 
fight is just beginning. ---- In January 2013, the socialist government very proudly 
introduced his new bill for higher education and research. Fioraso the project (the name 
of the Minister) claims fundamentally reform the universities and research institutions. 
What? In the background, nothing. While more than half of the universities is a structural 
deficit that insecurity prevails among the students and the students and staff and that 
the emancipation of the university mission is less than ever a concern, it is only 
continuing with enthusiasm liberal reforms underway for years.

In a more conciliatory and cosmetic shape, competition between universities they are more 
relevant than ever. The "fiscal autonomy", that is to say, the management of the lack of 
resources by the institutions themselves, established by the Law on Freedom and 
Responsibilities of Universities (LRU) in 2007, is preserved.

Fight infancy

Moreover, the trend worsens this project. Knowledge is seen as a commodity, upper and 
Research as a competitive market where companies are welcome Education. Universities 
should produce nice flexible and without reflection workers, with es 'skills' defined 
according to the categories of thought human resources managers. It is clearly stated that 
the mission of public research is turning to the economy. The link between universities 
and preparatory classes for schools is reinforced, so that the reproduction of elites is 
now not only the expense but at the expense of the former. The unraveling of the national 
framework of qualifications, which allow their holders the same rights on the labor market 
continues. Diplomas should now be defined regionally, with the key cuts of channels. The 
icing on the cake, Fioraso project requires the assembly of universities by region in 
order to achieve economies of scale and concentrate power.

As for students, and students and staff, anger rises. Precarious personal left first, 
organizing themselves into collectives in several cities [ 1 ]. In mid-February, a wider 
mobilization began. February 18 personnel and students, gathered in national general 
assembly, demanded outright abandonment of the bill repealing the LRU and the Pact for 
Research in 2005. Several promising AG took place everywhere in France. On March 21, a 
Paris demonstration ended with the occupation of Sciences Po, shouting: " Down with the 
high schools! Down the universities garbage! Down competitive facs! ". At the same time 
the Institute of Political Studies in Bordeaux was also held. The bill must be presented 
in April at the National Assembly. Stay tuned.

Claire (Student Solidarity activist in es, union struggles)

[ 1 ] 1. see " The emerging mobilization precarious "in AL No. 224 in January 2013.