France has decided to stop providing financial support to its biggest Muslim high school, Averroes. This decision is based on claims of administrative failures and concerns about the school’s teaching practices. The move comes amid a broader context of what some rights groups perceive as an increased crackdown on Muslims in the country.
Averroes is a private school and holds the distinction of being the first Muslim high school established in mainland France in 2003. Located in the northern city of Lille, the school has over 800 students and has been operating under a contract with the state since 2008. The students at Averroes follow the regular French curriculum, with additional religion classes offered.
A report from the interior ministry’s local office in October highlighted concerns about Averroes. It pointed out administrative and financial problems within the school and raised questions about some teaching practices not aligning with French republican values. This report serves as the basis for the decision to terminate state funding for the school.
In simple terms, France has decided to stop providing money to its biggest Muslim high school, Averroes, due to concerns about how the school is run and what is being taught. The school, located in Lille, has been receiving state funding since 2008, but a recent report pointed out issues with administration, finances, and teaching practices that led to the decision to cut funding. This decision is happening in a broader context of increased scrutiny on Muslim communities in France.
The local office of the interior ministry didn’t share many details about why it terminated a contract. However, this comes at a time when many Muslims in France, home to the largest Muslim population in Europe, feel increasingly unwelcome, particularly after a series of deadly attacks in 2015.
In September, the education minister banned the abaya, a traditional robe worn by some Muslim women, in public schools. Additionally, an imam from northern France faced a deportation order last year. These events have contributed to a perception among Muslims of increased hostility.
The headmaster of Averroes, Eric Dufour, stated that they plan to challenge the decision in court. He emphasized that the school actively upholds republican values, and a 2020 education ministry inspection report supported this, finding no violation of these values in teaching practices.
Without public funding, Averroes School might struggle to meet its budget needs. The headmaster mentioned that doubling fees for families would be impractical. This financial strain raises concerns about the school’s sustainability.
Parents, like Mohamed Daoudi, chose Averroes for its excellent academic results. Daoudi sees the decision as a witch-hunt and an injustice, possibly part of a broader crackdown on France’s Muslim minority. He expressed frustration, feeling that despite following the rules, the community is still facing challenges.
Daoudi, who has lived abroad for 15 years, mentioned he would consider relocating if the school closes. He expressed a preference for putting his kids in public school in Canada, highlighting the emotional and practical impact of such decisions on families.
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