Secularism: definition, law, teaching at school

Is my child prevented from practicing his religion? What does secularism involve at school and what does the law say? To answer these questions, let’s come back to its meaning, its application and its developments.

When does Secularism Day take place?

This December 9 is the day of secularism in France. Established within the framework of the law reinforcing respect for the principles of the Republic, it was an opportunity for schools to organize discussions around this theme with the students. Round tables and cultural events were also offered throughout France. So many opportunities to discuss a very sensitive topic.

A continuing education plan for secularism since the start of the school year

In a June 14 press release, Jean-Michel Blanquer announced the launch of a continuing education plan for secularism. From the start of the school year in September, 1,000 trainers benefited from reinforced and intensive training. At the same time, specific training modules were offered to management staff, inspectors, childcare centers, etc. This network of trainers then organizes the secularism training for staff in each school, college or high school, and a referent is appointed in each structure. Last summer, a common repository of skills and content for training in secularism and the values ​​of the Republic of teachers and childcare centers was also published for teachers in continuing training and students in initial training. As part of the recruitment and initial training of staff, benchmarks were also sent to the Higher National Institutes of Teaching and Education (INSPÉ) to facilitate the preparation of candidates for recruitment competitions. They were thus able to better prepare for the admission test, which relates in particular to knowledge of secularism and the values ​​of the Republic and their transmission to students. Finally, in the fall of 2020, two books on the reference texts on secularism and the values ​​of the Republic and the educational methods promoting the teaching of these values ​​were sent to all schools and establishments in France.

Secularism: since when? What is its definition?

Secularism is not a religion. This term defines the freedom to believe in one religion, or another. As well as the freedom not to believe in any religion, and even the freedom to change one’s belief. Whatever your belief (and whether it exists or not), secularism makes you equal before the law. It implies an essential notion of respect for others and of the rules intrinsic to citizenship.. The inventor of secularism is called Roger williams. He was an English Puritan who lived in the United States to escape royal persecution in 1630. He was one of the first to imagine a neutral state, free from any religious implication. In France, secularism arrives at school with Jules Ferry at the end of the 19th century. But the Church and the State are separated later, in December 1905. It is then the true birth of French secularism and freedom of worship. The country becomes a Republic and states: “The Republic does not pay any cult“.

Several key dates to remember in the course of secularism:

• 1882: The Ferry law institutes free, secular and compulsory primary education
• 1886: The Goblet law obliges public education to be entrusted to lay personnel
• 1905: The Catholic Church and the French State are separated
• 2004: It is only since the law of March 15, 2004 that students are no longer authorized to wear ostensibly religious signs and outfits in public schools

What does the law say about secularism at school?

Public schools must be secular in order to respect the law. It must therefore respect beliefs and teach the freedom to believe or not. In fact, she does not have the right to proselytize, nor to give religious instruction. The principle of secularism should allow students to build their critical thinking and acquire the rules of life in society. On the students’ side, secularism implies that they follow all the teachings and do not wear conspicuous religious symbols at school. The objective is to make the school a neutral place, which does not take sides with any religion, like the State.

Tools to help parents understand

To explain to parents of students how children must adapt to the principle of secularism at school, according to strict laws, the Ministry of Education has set up a “parents’ kit”. It provides the answer to many questions: what is secularism at school? How to respect it? Why was it put in place and what does it offer children? Parents associations, such as the FCPE also offer open access secularism courses.

What does “violate secularism at school” mean?

If a student violates secularism, the public school provides for a discussion process with the child and his family, with the idea of ​​recalling the legal framework. The attack on secularism can be expressed by a conspicuous sign making it possible to recognize an individual’s belonging to a religion. Among these signs, we find the kippah, the veil, a visible cross, the Sikh turban, the Hindu bindi, etc …

Does secularism apply to the school canteen?

In theory, the republican school is not obliged to adapt its menus to the different beliefs of the students. It is therefore not required to set up specific meals: kosher, halal, pork-free, or even vegetarian. It should also be remembered that the canteen is an optional public service. Its only role is to offer a balanced diet, which prevents deficiencies in children. However, local authorities have the right to offer different meal options in order to allow all children (with dietary restrictions) to have lunch in the canteen.

Secularism is inseparable from public school. It is therefore taught from kindergarten. Concretely, it goes through the reading of the internal regulations and its section relating to secularism from the start of the school year by the school principal, in front of the students and their parents. After schooling, several educational actions and collective projects allow students to experiment with notions of secularism at school. Starting with a neutral teaching, which supports the development of students’ free will and helps them to assert their freedom expression. A moral and civic education course (EMC) is also provided and offers students the opportunity to interact with the teacher. Generally speaking, secularism is not a subject in its own right, but rather a principle of life and education inherent (and permanent) in the functioning of public schools. Children are therefore taught directly and indirectly every day of their schooling..

Vademecum of secularism: what is it?

The vademecum of secularism is a kind of guide, made up of practical sheets, to help staff, parents and students to communicate about secularism. It is composed of legal analysis and educational and pedagogical advice. Other tools are available to work on the secular aspect of public education. Faced with a case of non-respect for secularism, teachers can, for example ask questions via an online form, to which a Valeurs de la République academic team will respond within 24 hours. There is also an application, called “Institution facts” dedicated to school directors and heads of establishments. They can report serious internal school incidents, including attacks on secularism and racist or anti-Semitic acts.

Is secularism also taught in private schools?

Regarding secularism in private schools, the Ministry of Education recalls: “No private educational institution under contract may derogate from its obligations relating to compliance with the content of National Education programs.. Moreover, these establishments may not practice any discrimination, whether based on religion or not. “The private establishment has the right to provide religious education. But this must be in addition to basic education. It cannot in any case replace it, and the principle of respect for the beliefs of others must continue to apply, regardless of the religion linked to the establishment.