Hundreds of French high schools shut as protests persist

Lessons were suspended at hundreds of French high schools on Monday, as part of a wave of student protests over learning conditions that have rocked the European nation. Students trickled into some schools despite ongoing protests outside their gates, ahead of a day of larger demonstrations expected on Tuesday. Since late September, pupils have barred the entrances to their schools, complaining of teacher absences, overloaded timetables, dilapidated classrooms and buildings ill-adapted to rising temperatures, among other grievances. The government has sought to address the grievances, while…