The incident escalated when the teacher requested the student to remove her outfit, which had 'religious connotations,' leading to the student spitting at and insulting the teacher before the slap.

On November 5, 2024, a physical altercation occurred at Jean-Jaurès High School in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, when a student slapped her physical education teacher after being asked to change her outfit, which was deemed inappropriate.

While the student's attire was described as having religious connotations, the rectorate clarified that it was not an abaya, despite some media reports suggesting otherwise.

Following the altercation, the student was placed under a 'conservatory measure,' effectively banning her from returning to school pending a disciplinary council decision.

As a result of the attack, the teacher has filed a complaint with the Montreuil police and is currently on sick leave, receiving legal and psychological support from her employer.

The incident has sparked significant discussion about religious attire in schools, echoing similar controversies seen in other institutions, such as Lycée Sévigné in Tourcoing.

Senator Pierre Ouzoulias emphasized the need to uphold secularism and support teachers facing such incidents, reflecting broader societal concerns.

The abaya, a long, covering dress traditional in some Muslim countries, has been banned in French public schools since the start of the 2023 academic year.

Political reactions have emerged, with Île-de-France President Valérie Pécresse calling for the student's immediate expulsion and legal action, emphasizing a zero tolerance policy for attacks on teachers.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions in France regarding the balance between religious expression and the secular principles upheld in educational settings.

Minister of Education Anne Genetet condemned the assault as unacceptable, asserting that the teacher was simply enforcing the school's internal regulations regarding attire.

Julie Benetti, the rector, condemned the aggression and stressed the importance of protecting school staff and upholding the values of the Republic.