Muslims upset over Education Minister’s recent prohibition on wearing long robes.
France Bans Long Robes in Classrooms to Uphold Secularism
In a bold move to protect secularism, France’s education minister has announced a ban on long robes in classrooms starting with the new school year. The ban specifically targets abayas and khamis, garments predominantly worn by Muslims, which some argue are merely fashion statements and not overtly religious symbols.
However, Gabriel Attal, the recently appointed education chief, sees these robes as an infringement on secularism, a foundational principle for France. He believes that allowing them in classrooms could potentially destabilize schools and undermine the nation’s commitment to religious neutrality.
Attal’s decision comes in response to a growing number of reports of abayas and khamis being worn in classrooms across the country. He emphasized the need for a firm response to address these perceived infringements and attempts at destabilization.
France has been increasingly vigilant in defending secularism, fearing that religious symbols could serve as a gateway to Islamic radicalism. However, some Muslims feel stigmatized by these efforts to enforce secularism and conform to a single cultural identity.
The ban on long robes is part of a broader effort to strengthen French secularism, as evidenced by the 2021 law against “separatism.” This law aims to increase oversight of religious institutions and organizations to prevent the spread of radical ideologies.
Controversy Surrounding the Ban
Unsurprisingly, the ban on long robes has sparked controversy and divided opinions. Critics argue that the abaya is not a religious garment but rather a fashion choice. They believe that banning it infringes on personal freedom and expression.
Attal’s predecessor, Pap Ndiaye, had left the decision to crack down on long robes up to individual school principals. However, signs of infringement on secularism have increased significantly, with a 120% rise between the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.
To enforce the ban, Attal plans to train 14,000 educational personnel in leadership positions by the end of this year, with a goal of training 300,000 personnel by 2025. Top administrators will also visit schools to provide support and address specific needs.
While it remains to be seen how this ban will be received within classrooms, it is clear that France is determined to protect its public schools from religious proselytism and the erosion of French identity.
As with any controversial decision, there are differing opinions. Hard-right politician Eric Zemmour supports the ban and even advocates for uniforms in classrooms. On the other hand, lawmaker Clementine Autain from the hard-left France Unbowed party criticizes the move as “anti-constitutional” and questions the extent of the “clothes police’s” authority.
Only time will tell how this ban on long robes will shape the future of secularism in French classrooms.
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
The post Muslims Not Happy at Education Minister’s New Ban on Long Robes appeared first on The Western Journal.
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