France to Close Up to 500 Schools Monday as Student Protests Continue

France will totally or partly close up to 500 high schools on Monday as nationwide student protests continue to disrupt education. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said lessons would be suspended at between 400 and 500 lycees because security conditions were not adequate. He said 24 schools had been burned or ransacked since demonstrations began. Students are protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school days, and deteriorating facilities. The government promised a return to lessons as authorities work to contain unrest