‘Solidarity among young people’: four lessons the US can learn from the youth protests in France

Since mid-September, students in France have protested against poor public high school conditions, expanding nationwide with support from various groups. Despite government concessions, protesters remain dissatisfied, planning further actions. The movement benefits from strong union support and a broad coalition, emphasizing shared grievances across public services. Clear demands focus on essential needs like sanitary facilities and adequate staffing. The protests highlight the ingrained culture of demonstration in France, contrasting with the more cautious approach to strikes in the US, where community solidarity has also emerged in local movements.