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05/12 2007: Laicity in Education Laicity or nonconfessionality is the basis of our freedoms. Those who are educated in laicity may later embrace the religion of their choice. To allow veils, turbans or any distinctive, religious or political symbols in schools is a proof that the system supposed to guarantee human development does not function properly. Every individual should be allowed to be different. However, the choice of difference must be conscious and educated, which means, individuals must grow in ideologically neutral environments. Therefore Jerry Lee says it: partisanship symbols at schools or in universities should not be allowed. Veils may be worn in public provided they are not - or do not become - symbols of hatred like the Swastika. However, laicity as a value would not have any meaning, if it did not ultimately allow people to manifest their beliefs publicly. Veils or religious symbols may be allowed in public functions or at the working place, except for educational institutions, provided they do not constitute physical or psychological barriers to communication between people. Should these appear, then those wearing them should be invited to take them off, not on the grounds of intolerance to certain beliefs, but strictly on those of a lack of good work flow. Employees who refuse to take them off are fanatics who take the risk of being legitimately dismissed. Therefore, people must adapt to local customs. When marking their cultural differences outside the educational system people may as well do so humbly and gratefully, since the laws that permit cultural diversity have been voted by local communities. Should these laws be regarded as insufficiently permissive, let critics compare them to those of a majority of other countries or find an environment that better matches their cultural affinities. |
















