French NBA star Wembanyama expresses support for student protests

French-born San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expressed support for students in his home country who have taken to the streets in the thousands in recent weeks protesting the conditions of their schools.

“These are systemic inequalities — problems so deep-rooted ⁠that, in fact, I’m glad that high-school students and young people in general are speaking up,” Wembanyama said at a press conference Thursday, according to online translations.

“I hear them, and I support them, and ‌I hope the people all over there will do the same,” he added.

Thousands of French students have taken to the streets since the end of September to protest teacher shortages, building conditions and other problems they say run rampant inside their classrooms.

The protests have sparked worldwide attention as thousands have been arrested and hundreds injured in the demonstrations. Dozens of schools have been damaged or burned.

French officials have tried negotiating with students to no avail, and some have called for parents to be held responsible for any violent acts by the students.

The debate has made its way to the U.S. as Republicans, including President Trump, blame immigration for the scene in France.

“What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!” Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday.