Attacks on secularism at school: reports more than doubled over a month

The Ministry of Education recorded 720 reports in October for attacks on secularism, a figure more than doubled compared to September, with still a high proportion of incidents related to the wearing of religious outfits, he announced on Wednesday. November 9, 2022. This figure is up 130% compared to September, when 313 incidents were recorded in schools, colleges and high schools.

These figures were previously communicated quarterly, but their publication has changed to a monthly rhythm since September at the request of the Minister of Education Pap Ndiaye, who has promised “

” on these subjects.

A total of 627 incidents were recorded in the first quarter of 2022 (December to March) and 904 in the second quarter (April to July 2021).

Colleges particularly affected

40% of the incidents recorded in October are for "

religious signs and outfits", against 54% in September, the ministry said in a press release.

They concern "

", and are still by far the first cause of reports.

Next come verbal provocations (14%, against 5% in September), protests against education (12%, against 7%), refusal of republican values ​​(9%, against 2%), community demands (6% , against 7%), refusal of school activity (5%, against 7%).

Read alsoAttacks on secularism at school: 313 reports in September

By type of establishment, the majority of events took place in October in middle schools (52%, compared to 36% in September), 37% in high schools (compared to 51% in September), and 11% in primary education ( against 13%).

A plan in four axes

Faced with the increase in attacks on secularism, the ministry is planning a four-pronged plan to strengthen support for heads of establishments and better protect them, detailed in a circular which will be published Thursday in the Official Bulletin.

The four axes are as follows: "

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", "

', '

'.