Macron explore the possibility of adjusting school uniform policies.
French President Emmanuel Macron has opened the door to potential experiments involving uniforms or dress codes in select public schools, amidst a growing debate in France over the ban on long robes primarily worn by Muslims in classrooms.
The ban on robes, referred to as abayas for girls and women, and khamis for boys and men, officially took effect on Monday.
Macron expressed his support for “experimentation” with uniforms as a means to “facilitate public discussion.” During a live interview on the online media platform HugoDecrypte, streamed on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, he suggested that an alternative experimental approach could involve students wearing attire like “jeans, a T-shirt, and a jacket.”
“We can certainly explore options that are more palatable to teenagers than traditional uniforms,” Macron remarked. “This approach may appear less rigid from a disciplinary standpoint.”
These remarks from the centrist president follow the endorsements from some conservative and far-right politicians for mandating uniforms in public schools. However, Macron did not provide specific details regarding when or where these experiments might occur. Some private schools already enforce uniform policies.
Macron reiterated his commitment to enforcing the new rule prohibiting long robes in public schools, which is viewed as a challenge to France’s secular values. He emphasized, “Schools are secular, and that implies the absence of religious symbols. We need to engage in dialogue and explain this measure. But I believe it’s essential because schools must remain neutral spaces.”
The ban has sparked controversy nationwide, with critics arguing that loose, body-covering garments do not constitute a conspicuous display of religion and should not be banned from classrooms.
The basis for this ban lies in a 2004 law aimed at preserving secularism in French public schools. The law not only prohibits Muslim headscarves but also bans large Christian crosses, Jewish kippas, and the large turbans worn by Sikhs. This legislation was passed following months of heated debate and extensive parliamentary discussions, with some Muslims contending that it singled them out. Importantly, this law does not apply to university students.