I understand the point made in this article (Muslims are already excluded from French political life: that’s the real issue in the school abayas row, 5 September), but I feel that it doesn’t tell the whole story. Laïcité is historically a pillar of the French school system.
Since 1880, teachers have been forbidden to show any religious or political views in order to protect pupils’ rights to their own opinions without undue influence. Priests are forbidden to have any influence in schools. Pupils are not allowed to influence other pupils, and any religious or political signs are forbidden. For example, my mother was not allowed to have a crucifix necklace at school. This law was created to protect freedom of conscience. It was not created against Muslims.
