(Brussels Times) The introduction of religious and ideological “neutrality” in East Flemish provincial schools has been postponed to September 2026.
The decision would apply to both students and staff, banning any visible symbols of religious or political beliefs, such as headscarves, skullcaps, crosses, or party badges.
In recent months, there have been heated debates in the East Flemish provincial council, with N-VA securing support for the measure from far-right Vlaams Belang after abstentions from coalition partners. However, Flemish Education Minister Hilde Crevits annulled the decision made on 30 April, because necessary recommendations from school councils were unavailable when the decision was made.
Crevits acknowledged the legitimacy and proportionality of the policy but stated that the regulatory change was legally flawed.
