Hijab in French Schools

In the interests of equality and state secularism, the French government is considering a legal ban on all "conspicuous religious symbols" in public schools. The ban would outlaw hijab (Islamic headscarves), Jewish headcoverings, large crucifixes, and other visible signs of faith.

"In respect for freedom of conscience, and the pure character of the institutions, behaviours and signs expressing a religious or political affiliation are prohibited in schools and colleges. Any appropriate sanction is to be taken after the pupil is invited to conform to his obligations. The prohibited behaviours and religious signs are open signs, such as large crosses, veils, or kippas. Discrete signs are not included, for example medals, small crosses, stars of David, hands of Fatimah, or a small Koran."

The commission recommended against imposing a similar sanction in universities, citing that students at that level have reached the age of majority.

On December 17, 2003, French President Jacques Chirac announced in a speech to Parliament that he supports the passage of such a law.

In 1905, France passed a law requiring the separation of church and state, while respecting all belief systems. Prior to now, school dress codes have fallen under the jurisdiction of education officials. Particular rules and their interpretations have varied at the local level. Beginning in 1989, French schoolgirls have periodically been expelled by local school officials, for refusing to remove their headscarves. Such incidents have become more common in recent years.

At the same time, France continues to grapple with a growing immigrant and minority population. Muslims now make up 8% of the French population, and are one of the fastest-growing demographic groups. There is widespread fear that without better assimilation of immigrants into a universal "French identity," the country may become split along racial and religious lines. Hardliners also feel an acute need to stem the perceived rise of Islamic militancy in the country.

At this point, the French government is seizing on "conspicuous religious symbols" as a cause of separation and division among the French population. Many government officials wish to set a nationwide policy, banning such symbols from the public sphere.