Secularism in French Schools: Principles and Practices

Extract

[...] Therefore, prohibited from wearing or indoctrinating religion. C. The students The obligations and practices of secularism of students: - It is forbidden to perform acts of pressure, proselytism, propaganda . - It is forbidden to have a behavior that infringes on the dignity, pluralism or freedom of the student or staff member. - It is forbidden to disrupt the smooth running of teaching - It is forbidden to wear religious signs The secular school opens up rights to the freedom of conscience of the students. [...]

[...] Secularism has no anti-religious approach. An equity of treatment of all cults where the State allows the right to absence for students during the great festivals of their religion that are not holidays (1907) or the diffusion of religious broadcasts on France 2. - Equality in the law of spiritual and religious options where no constraint and equal treatment will be carried out for individuals regardless of their religion. Examples: The ban on wearing the full Islamic veil in public places (2010 law) is not an infringement on the freedom of worship but a ban on wearing a mask in public places. [...]

[...] The premises The colleges and high schools do not all have secular premises (2000 in France with a religious construction). F. School life The school establishment must function as an enclosure. Ferdinand Buisson « The teacher at school, the priest at church, the mayor at town hall» (Dictionary of Pedagogy). The concept of enclosure is a space governed by specific rules. Ex: external participants must respect the laicism of the school enclosure. It is the same for the cafeteria where several dishes are offered for laicism and respect of religious principles without promoting them. [...]

[...] Secular teaching of the religious fact There is no human civilization without religion. Secular teaching of the religious fact implements the following principles: - Distinguish instruction and education: teaching the religious fact falls within the realm of instruction to inform future citizens about the different religions (historical, social, cultural). - Distinguish knowledge and believe: The school transmits knowledge about religions by explaining the conception of each. - Distinguish laïcité and anticléricalism: The teaching of religions leaves one free to believe or not to believe. [...]

[...] In Guyane, non-application of the law of 1905. Public funding of the cult following the Mandel decrees. The bishop has a category A staff status, a recognized cult which is the Catholic one. III. Secularity in the college and the lycee Since the 2013 back-to-school season, a charter of laicity must be displayed. Teachers and education staff must make it known. This charter is a solemn reminder that must help teachers to transmit knowledge and being in line with the principles of laicity. Learn the charter. [...]