Faith, Freedom, and Fashion: The Abaya Ban in French Education

A group gathered in front of the French Embassy protests against the ban on abaya [long dress] in schools in France in Vienna, Austria. / Photo: @baraabolat

In France, the start of the school year has brought with it a significant change in dress code for some students. While crop tops and short shorts remain permissible, the traditional long tunic worn by Muslim women, known as the abaya, has been banned in French middle and high schools. The ban was recently upheld by France's highest court, sparking intense debate and protest.

The decision to forbid the abaya was announced by France's education minister, Gabriel Attal, just before the school year commenced. He emphasized the importance of secularism in schools, stating that educational institutions should be inclusive and free from religious identifiers or pressure to wear religious attire. However, this move has stirred controversy, with critics accusing the government of policing clothing choices and diverting attention from more pressing issues within the education system.

Opponents of the ban, including left-wing feminist parliamentarian Clementine Autain, have criticized Attal for creating what they perceive as a distraction from fundamental problems such as teacher shortages and rising school supply costs. Despite these criticisms, a majority of the French population, around 80%, support the abaya ban, according to polls. This widespread support reflects the deeply ingrained value of secularism in French society, alongside principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The debate surrounding the abaya ban has been a focal point in numerous TV talk shows, where experts and commentators have explored the nuances of secularism in France. Some argue that the ban is a necessary response to acts of terrorism and violence, such as the tragic beheading of a middle school teacher, Samuel Paty, in 2020. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the connection between outward displays of religion, particularly Islam, and acts of extremism, stating that there can be no compromise on secularism in schools.

However, voices like Samia Essabaa, a veteran teacher from a Muslim-majority neighborhood in the Paris suburbs, challenge the notion that the abaya is purely religious attire. According to Essabaa, some students wear the abaya for practical reasons, such as avoiding comments from peers or concealing their clothing due to body image concerns. She suggests that individual schools should have the autonomy to address their students' clothing choices, based on their understanding of the students' needs and backgrounds.

Essabaa's perspective highlights concerns that the nationwide ban on abayas could alienate young people, potentially making them susceptible to anti-secular influences. The ongoing debate underscores the complexity of balancing religious freedom, personal expression, and national security in a diverse and multicultural society like France.

The rise of Islamophobia in many countries worldwide, including France, has become a cause for concern. Bolat, an advocate for religious freedom, emphasized the alarming increase in anti-Islamic sentiments globally. He specifically pointed out France's policies, citing them as anti-Islamic and restrictive, especially concerning women's access to education and their right to wear religious attire like abayas or hijabs.

In recent weeks, French Education Minister Gabriel Attal announced a controversial decision: students wearing traditional overgarments, specifically abayas, would not be permitted to attend classes in the new school year. This move drew significant criticism and sparked a backlash against the government. France has been under scrutiny for its statements and policies that many perceive as targeting Muslims, including raids on mosques and charitable foundations. Additionally, an "anti-separatism" law has imposed wide-ranging restrictions on the Muslim community.

Extreme-right politicians in France, like Marine Le Pen, have gone a step further, advocating for even broader restrictions. Le Pen, who was the runner-up to President Emmanuel Macron in the last presidential election, campaigned for banning veils not just in schools but also in public spaces.

The ban on abayas in schools has also drawn international attention. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently stated that the ban was a deliberate attempt to "intimidate" the Muslim minority. This criticism highlights the global concern regarding the restriction of religious practices and the impact it has on minority communities, emphasizing the need to address Islamophobia and protect religious freedoms in the 21st century.

Given the complexities of the abaya ban in France, the question of whether it is the right course of action prompts thoughtful consideration. Do you believe France's decision to ban the abaya in schools aligns with the principles of secularism, or do you think it infringes upon religious freedom and personal expression?

Source:
https://www.tpr.org/2023-09-08/a-ban-on-wearing-the-abaya-in-french-schools-is-causing-an-uproar