Presenter: Hannah Schmitz
Mentor: Carol Silverman
Oral Presentation
Major: French/International Studies
This paper examines the expulsions of Roma that are occurring in France today in terms of history and reactions. First, I discuss the history of Roma populations in France, seeking to reveal the root causes of the prejudices against Roma that exist today. The time period studied is 1787 to the present, with some reference to earlier periods. Second, I analyze the current French government’s actions regarding Roma in terms of the legality of multiple policies and laws. By examining the various groups that are included under the term Gens de voyage (travelling people), and how the French government and its citizens have reacted to them, I shed light on the discriminatory nature of current policies and actions. I focus on both positive and negative reactions following the 2007 migration of Roma to France from Romania and Bulgaria. Data were collected from scholarly books, organizational reports, a range of media sources, and a small survey of French citizens. One aim of the research is to document the history of French discrimination against Roma and contribute to its mitigation.