The Politics of the Veil
Introduction
On March 15, 2004, the French government passed a law that banned the
wearing of "conspicuous signs" of religious affiliation in public schools.
Article 1 is the key provision:
In public elementary, middle and high schools, the wearing of signs or
clothing which conspicuously manifest students' religious affiliations
is prohibited. Disciplinary procedures to implement this rule will be
preceded by a discussion with the student.
There is also an explanation of what counts as "conspicuous":
The clothing and religious signs prohibited are conspicuous signs such
as a large cross, a veil, or a skullcap. Not regarded as signs
indicating religious affiliation are discreet signs, which can be, for
example, medallions, small crosses, stars of David, hands of Fatima, or
small Korans.
Although the law applied to Jewish boys in skullcaps and Sikh boys in
turbans, as well as to anyone with a large cross around his or her neck,
it was aimed primarily at Muslim girls wearing headscarves (hijab in
Arabic; foulard ... read full excerpt from The Politics of the Veil ebook
