A decree dated October 6, signed by the Senegalese Minister of National Education, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, put an end to a growing controversy concerning the wearing of the veil in educational establishments. This question raised important debates across the country, where several students had been turned away because of their attire deemed to not comply with the regulations of certain private establishments. Faced with this situation, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko took a position by calling for official clarification on the issue, in particular by calling for precise rules concerning clothing authorized in schools.
The decree published by the ministry in response to this crisis provides new regulations on the operation of educational establishments, both public and private, with particular emphasis on respect for religious beliefs. This text, which bears the official reference 08001.2024, asks schools to accept students wearing religious symbols, such as the veil for Muslims, but also the cross for Christians. The minister insisted on the importance of this recognition of religious identities, while setting certain limits to guarantee the proper functioning of establishments.
According to the terms of the decree, schools must now guarantee an environment conducive to learning while respecting the religious beliefs of students. It is stipulated that the wearing of religious symbols, including the veil or the cross, is permitted provided that it does not hinder the clear identification of students, particularly during lessons or educational activities. This decision aims to ease the tensions that have emerged in certain establishments, while affirming the State’s commitment to respect religious diversity.
The decree also specifies that respect for religious beliefs cannot excuse students from participating in compulsory activities, such as sports or practical lessons. However, it is important that discipline and republican order be maintained while respecting national values, social cohesion and individual and collective freedoms.
In addition to the question of religious symbols, the decree regulates other aspects of the internal regulations of schools, such as behavior management, prevention of verbal and physical violence, as well as the encouragement of diversity and mutual respect. Schools are now required to ensure that students, regardless of their religious affiliation, can coexist peacefully within establishments.
This decision comes after several weeks of public debate in Senegal, where tensions had erupted between families, private establishments, and educational authorities. The text reaffirms that any violation of its provisions will result in sanctions provided for by law.
The ministerial decree, which concerns all educational establishments in the country, aims to strengthen the values of living together while respecting religious plurality, a fundamental principle of the Senegalese Republic.
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