La laïcité (secularity) in French schools

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Marissa Panzarella

Abstract or Description

La laïcité, otherwise known as the separation of church and state, has been and is currently a prominent issue in French schools. Instated in 1905, the law set a precedent for religion in the country, and in schools. Students and teachers may not, under any circumstances, show any sort of religious affiliation. Despite the law (1905) prohibiting the wearing of religious clothing or attire in schools, some political parties denounce using this law to perpetuate religious discrimination and post-colonial racism as Islam is becoming a more prominent religion. The question is how far can the French implement la laïcité as a pillar of their society while society is evolving to be more diverse?  

Mentor

Audrey Viguier, Michael Foster