Paris - About 20 protesting students were arrested Friday as police swept through the campus of Caen University and cleared it of students who had occupied it for two weeks, France Info radio reported.

The police sweep is evidence of a new, firmer stance against protesting students who have shut down several universities to demand that the government drop its plans to reform the French higher education system.

On Thursday, some 100 students were taken into custody for having occupied the Ministry for Higher Education to demand the resignation of Education Minister Valerie Pecresse.

Student organizations say that because of protests and blockades of universities, about one of every five students is unable to attend class. As a result, many universities are considering annulling the entire semester. (dpa)