A student strike in France has led to the closure of hundreds of schools, and that country's education minister says 40 school principals have been injured during the disturbances.

A student strike in France has led to the closure of hundreds of schools, and that country's education minister says 40 school principals have been injured during the disturbances.

Students are held back by a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, an intensive curriculum and dilapidated school buildings. University students also joined these interceptions in certain cities.

The interceptions, which began in the Paris area, have spread in recent days to various cities in France and have led to clashes with the police and damage to schools in some places.

Edouard Geoffrey, France's Minister of Education, said that since the beginning of these interceptions, 65 school employees, including 40 school principals, and about 170 students have been injured. According to the French Interior Ministry, 1,949 people were arrested on Thursday alone.