Academics & Education

New Quebec government open to allowing existing teachers who wear religious symbols to keep their jobs But Coalition Avenir Québec has no intention of removing crucifix from National Assembly, spokesperson says

(CBC) After a week of controversy, Quebec’s incoming Coalition Avenir Québec government is opening the door a crack to compromise on its plan to ban some civil servants from wearing religious symbols. The CAQ said last week it would be prepared to fire teachers who refuse to […]

Academics & Education

Macron to review report calling for reform of Islam in France President follows in the footsteps of those who have tried, and failed, to establish an ‘Islam of France.’

(Politico) Islamists have an “intellectual monopoly” over public debate among Muslims in France and the state must intervene to limit foreign influence over worshippers, according to a new report submitted to President Emmanuel Macron. The 617-page report, “The Fabric of Islam,” presents […]

Academics & Education

Austria mulls to expand headscarf ban in schools People on public duty should not use religious, ideological symbols on duty, says Austria's education minister

(Anadolu) Expanding the range of headscarf bans for students and teachers in secondary school should be discussed throughout the country, especially in parliament, Austria’s education minister said on Monday. Speaking at Austrian state television ORF on a draft law to ban Muslim […]

Academics & Education

Danish left veering right on immigration Mandatory language lessons, tougher sentences for ghetto crimes, buildings demolished. Integration — by force.

(Politico) Denmark’s right-wing government might once have expected pushback from the left-wing opposition when it introduced a controversial new integration policy. No longer. A recent government proposal, to be finalized by parliament in the fall, would target the country’s so-called ghetto neighborhoods […]

Academics & Education

‘Terre des Femmes’ pushes headscarf ban for girls The women's rights organization 'Terre des Femmes' has launched a petition calling for a headscarf ban for minors in schools and daycare centers in Germany. But the initiative has courted controversy.

(Deutsche Welle) A girl below the age of 18 wearing a headscarf? The human rights organization “Terre des Femmes” believes it is morally wrong and is demanding that the German government ban headscarves for girls in schools and daycare centres. On Thursday, […]

Academics & Education

PQ in favour of accommodating Muslim students: Jean-François Lisée The Commission scolaire de Montréal wants to move a test so that its Muslim students won't have to take an exam during a high holiday.

(Montreal Gazette) Jean-François Lisée says he would be in favour of a plan to postpone a province-wide elementary school exam next year because it interferes with a Muslim holiday. The PQ leader weighed in Wednesday on a recent spat between a Montreal […]