The Long Ago Times

PARIS, February 3, 1824 — In a dramatic turn of events at Paris’s prestigious College of Louis le Grand, the academic community is embroiled in controversy following the expulsion of 110 students due to allegations of insubordination and plotting against the school’s administration. The University’s publication in the Moniteur revealed that the dismissals were a response to purported revolts and a significant change in leadership, sparking debates over educational governance and religious influence in French institutions.

The incident unfolded after the appointment of a new Proviseur, whose initial announcement regarding the capture of Cadiz was met with student applause, suggesting initial acceptance. However, tensions escalated on January 27, when a supposed plot involving student insurrection was thwarted, leading to the immediate expulsion of 41 students. The situation deteriorated further during the feast of St. Charlemagne, with students silently protesting proposed toasts to the King and other figures, resulting in an additional 65 expulsions.

The College of Louis le Grand, known for its superior management under M. Malleval and its alignment with royalist principles, has seen a sudden shift in its administrative landscape. The Bishop of Hermopolis’s dismissal of Malleval in favor of a Jesuit with no prior administrative experience has raised suspicions of a deliberate move to reinstate Jesuit dominance over the college.

This leadership change has been met with widespread criticism, especially after it was revealed that the expulsions were partly based on espionage within the college, leading to concerns over privacy violations and authoritarian practices. The expelled students, many of whom were distinguished scholars sponsored by the King or the city of Paris, now face uncertain futures, with their education abruptly interrupted.

Public outrage has ensued, with accusations that the college’s current administration, under the influence of Frayssinous and his Jesuit affiliates, is attempting to suppress dissent and reestablish the Jesuit order’s control over French educational institutions. This incident not only highlights the tensions between educational autonomy and religious influence but also reflects broader societal concerns over surveillance, academic freedom, and the role of religious organizations in public life.

As the Jesuits continue to extend their influence, from securing high-profile support to infiltrating various levels of society, the affair at the College of Louis le Grand serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and progress in France’s storied educational system. The community awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that respects students’ rights and maintains the integrity of French education.