Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Advisor(s)

Kari Evanson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kate Wilson, Ph.D.

Abstract

There is an urgent need to address systemic police violence and racial profiling in France, particularly against Black and African communities. It poses a critical question: how do instances of police brutality reflect and reinforce systemic discrimination in French society, and what can be done to dismantle these structures? To answer this, the analysis begins with the 2005 riots, a landmark moment of collective outrage triggered by police actions, which set a precedent for future protests and highlighted the grievances of marginalized communities in the banlieues. It then shifts to the death of Adama Traoré in 2016, whose case became a focal point for activism against police brutality and institutional racism. Through a detailed examination of Traoré's death and the resulting Justice for Adama movement, the study unpacks the intersection of racial injustice, social inequality, and policing. Findings reveal that systemic racism in France is sustained by legal and institutional frameworks, such as the repeated amendments to Article 78-2, which disproportionately target immigrant communities. Furthermore, public outrage and activism surrounding these events underscore the deep mistrust between marginalized communities and the police, as well as the persistent lack of accountability within the justice system. This research highlights the enduring implications of these systemic issues, emphasizing the need for reforms in policing, legal accountability, and public policy. It also demonstrates how grassroots movements like Justice for Adama challenge state narratives and advocate for meaningful change. The study’s findings contribute to ongoing debates about systemic racism and provide a framework for future research on institutional bias. Practically, this work is a resource for policymakers, activists, and scholars seeking to address racial injustice and improve community relations in France.

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