Paris-Saclay, February 19 – A conference by European Parliament member Rima Hassan, organized by the FSU union and set for February 27 at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay, has been cancelled. The cancellation comes in the wake of a fatal aggression in Lyon, where a young nationalist activist died following an attack near a separate conference involving the LFI eurodeputy.
Fatal Aggression Precedes Cancellation
The ENS communication department confirmed the cancellation to AFP, citing “recent events in Lyon.” This information was initially reported by BFMTV. The incident in Lyon involved Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old nationalist activist, who was fatally assaulted by several hooded individuals on Thursday evening. Deranque had been providing security for female activists from the identitarian collective Némésis during a conference by MEP Rima Hassan at Sciences Po Lyon. He sustained a severe head trauma and died on Saturday.
ENS Statement on the Cancellation
The ENS stated that the FSU union, which represents the staff at ENS Paris-Saclay, informed the institution’s presidency of the decision. The school emphasized its commitment to dialogue to ensure “the serenity of debates and the security of students and staff.” The ENS also clarified that “this initiative was not part of the academic framework of the School, which was only to provide premises for the event.”
The FSU had not yet responded to AFP’s inquiries regarding the cancellation.
Rima Hassan and Ministerial Directives
Rima Hassan, on her part, refuted the cancellation on X, stating that the conference was merely “postponed” without providing a new date.
This incident and subsequent cancellation occur amidst heightened tensions surrounding university events. On Tuesday, Philippe Baptiste, the Minister of Higher Education, affirmed that no further “meetings” would be permitted in universities if there was a proven risk to public order. The Minister indicated that a circular to this effect had been dispatched to prefects and rectors. However, he underscored that the ultimate decision would rest with university presidents.
Broader Context of University Events
The cancellation of Hassan’s conference at ENS Paris-Saclay highlights the delicate balance universities must maintain between fostering open debate and ensuring the safety of their communities. The tragic events in Lyon underscore the potential for external tensions to spill over into academic settings, prompting institutions to re-evaluate their policies regarding external events and speaker invitations.
The incident also brings into focus the role of security at such events, particularly when controversial figures or topics are involved. The death of Quentin Deranque serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence when opposing ideologies clash in public spaces.
Implications for Academic Freedom and Public Order
The ministerial directive to prevent meetings where public order risks are identified raises questions about academic freedom and the autonomy of universities to host diverse viewpoints. While the safety of students and staff is paramount, critics argue that such measures could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and open discussion within academic institutions.
University presidents now face the challenging task of interpreting and implementing these directives, balancing the need for security with the fundamental principles of intellectual inquiry and debate that define higher education.
The events surrounding Rima Hassan’s conferences reflect a broader societal debate about political discourse, public safety, and the limits of expression in a polarized environment. As universities navigate these complexities, the decisions made will have significant implications for the future of academic and public engagement.
Source: https://www.boursorama.com/actualite-economique/actualites-amp/agression-mortelle-a-lyon-une-conference-de-rima-hassan-annulee-a-l-ecole-normale-superieure-a0549d12f538833d211810eeed3a7d2a
