A family who lives in the Bocage Bressuirais countryside in Voulmentin finds itself summoned this Thursday, November 28, 2024 before the Niort criminal court. At issue: family education. More precisely, non-compliance with the new mandatory steps to take in order to hope to continue practicing it.
In the Giteau-Gourlay family, there is Laurence the mother, Samuel the father and their four children: Lyssandre, Hanaë, Aude and Daphné, aged from 4 to 13 years old. When the eldest was old enough to go to school, they took her to school. “She stayed two months. She was in pain and we were helpless. » The discovery of Family Education (IEF) will act as a trigger. Adopted!
A graphic designer, Laurence stopped to devote herself to the education of her children by following Montessori training. Helped by her husband who now works part-time. “Learning must have meaning for the child, anchored in reality. This is our educational project. »
“Our controls have always been positive”
The parents submitted to regular checks by National Education without any problem. “Our checks have always been positive. Our children are even ahead. »
But they do not accept the changes introduced by the law to combat separatism. “Before, we just had to make a declaration every year. Today is a request for authorization. It went from a “yes” in principle to a “no” in principle, deplores Samuel. We were already supervised and 98% of the checks of children in IEF were positive in France. »
“We are guilty but we do not feel at fault”
Against this regulation, “we engaged in civil disobedience” by not sending a declaration or request for authorization (1). “We are not opposing the school and the IEF. We are not saying that school is bad but that there are a multiplicity of children and the more educational choices there are, the better. We do not want National Education to have more weight than us in the choice of our children. »
In “disobedience”the couple knew how to risk difficulties. “As we have not made a declaration or requested authorization, National Education considers that we have not educated our children. We are therefore being prosecuted for their failure to attend school. » Summoned to the police station with photos and fingerprints taken. “Everything went very well with the gendarme but we felt like we were in a film, like criminals. » They were then summoned to appear in court on prior admission of guilt (CRPC). “A lawyer is mandatory and we didn’t have one. » This is how they arrive before the criminal hearing this Thursday. “We know we are guilty but do not feel guilty,” plead parents who intend to defend the freedom to educate their children as they wish.
(1) Families already practicing IEF could still simply send a declaration in 2022 and 2023 before the obligation to request authorization for everyone in 2024.
A demonstration in support
A “festive” event entitled “Fest’IEF” is organized on Thursday November 28, 2024 in Niort from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in “support” of Samuel Giteau and Laurence Gourlay, open to all.
On the program: entertainment from 10 a.m., Estoilette room in Pré-Leroy: board games, reading, wooden toys, karaoke, sack races, juggling, dancing, gym, makeup, etc.
At noon, picnic (to be planned) then at 1 p.m., go to court. Two parents will stay in the room to provide entertainment for the children.
