Deteriorating Secularism in French Schools: Minister Portier's Concerns
On October 20, 2024, Minister Delegate for Academic Success and Vocational Education, Alexandre Portier, expressed serious concerns regarding the state of secularism in French schools, citing a troubling increase in violations over the past two years. In an interview with France 3 Rhône-Alpes, Portier stated, "The situation regarding secularism today is not satisfactory. We had a slight improvement in September, but if we look at the long term, the situation is deteriorating." He emphasized that attacks on secularism have doubled in this timeframe, calling for an "absolute firmness in the response whenever there is an attack."
Portier's remarks come in contrast to a recent announcement from the Minister of National Education, Anne Genetet, who noted a "very clear" decrease in attacks on secularism for the start of the 2024 school year compared to the previous year. This discrepancy highlights the complex and evolving nature of secularism challenges within the educational system. Genetet also mentioned plans to enhance teacher training, equipping educators to better address questions and challenges related to secularism that students may encounter.
Addressing Mobile Phones and Academic Success
In addition to discussing secularism, Minister Portier addressed the issue of mobile phones in schools, stating, "There is no place for them, very clearly." He argued that academic success should not solely be measured by grades and diplomas, advocating for a broader understanding of educational achievement that moves away from France's traditional focus on academic performance. Portier's comments reflect a growing recognition of the need for a more holistic approach to education that considers various aspects of student engagement and success.
The recent tributes paid to teachers Samuel Paty and Dominique Bernard, who were tragically murdered by radicalized individuals, underscore the urgent need for effective strategies to protect educators and uphold the principles of secularism in schools.
