Concept

Ordre des Palmes académiques

Summary
The Ordre des Palmes académiques (French for "Order of Academic Palms") is a national order bestowed by the French Republic on distinguished academics and teachers and for valuable service to universities, education and science. Originally established in 1808 by Emperor Napoleon as a decoration to honour eminent members of the University of Paris, it was changed into its current form as an order of merit on 4 October 1955 by President René Coty, making it one of the oldest civil honours bestowed by the French Republic. The original Palmes académiques was instituted by Napoleon on 17 March 1808. In this sense, it shares its origins with the Legion of Honour which Napoleon had established shortly before. Palmes académiques was established to decorate people associated with the university, including high schools (lycées). It was not an order as such, but a title of honour identifiable by its insignia sewn on the recipients' costumes. It was bestowed only upon teachers or professors. The original decoration included three classes: Titulaire – gold palm sewn on white silk; Officier l'Université – silver palm sewn on white silk; Officier d'Académie – blue palm sewn on white silk. The Titulaires were limited to the grand masters of the university, chancellors, treasurers, and councilors for life. The Officiers de l'Université were ordinary councilors, university inspectors, rectors, academy inspectors, deans and faculty professors. The Officiers d'Académie were headmasters, censors, teachers of the two most distinguished classes of high schools, principals of colleges, and, in exceptional cases, high school teachers or college regents. Those working in primary education were ineligible. On 9 October 1850, the number of classes was reduced to two: Officier de l'Instruction Publique (Golden Palms); Officier d'Académie (Silver Palms). Only those working in education for at least 15 years were eligible. The decoration was conferred by the Minister of Public Instruction on the proposal of rectors after having consulted academic councils.
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