France to Withdraw Support from Largest Muslim High School
France has decided to cease funding for its largest Muslim high school, the Averroes High School in Lille, citing administrative shortcomings and teaching methods inconsistent with republican values, according to a local official. Rights groups view this as part of a broader pattern of increased scrutiny on Muslims.
Established in 2003, the Averroes High School caters to over 800 students and has been state-contracted since 2008. While the curriculum includes standard French education, it also offers religious courses. However, an October report from the Interior Ministry highlighted issues within the school's management and raised concerns over its adherence to national values, although specific reasons for ending the contract were not disclosed.
The Muslim community, Europe's largest in France, perceives an escalating animosity, particularly following a series of jihadist attacks in 2015. Tensions increased with policies like the public school ban on the abaya and the deportation of a local imam.
The school's principal, Eric Dufour, unaware of any formal notification, plans to legally contest the decision. He insists that the school strongly upholds republican values, a stance seemingly supported by a 2020 education ministry report.
Future operations are in jeopardy without public funds, as increasing school fees to compensate is not feasible. Parents, including Mohamed Daoudi who values the school for its academic excellence, see this move as a severe injustice that seems retaliatory. Daoudi, ready to relocate if necessary, expresses discontent at the growing pressure faced by law-abiding Muslims in France.
The Muslim community, Europe's largest in France, perceives an escalating animosity, particularly following a series of jihadist attacks in 2015. Tensions increased with policies like the public school ban on the abaya and the deportation of a local imam.
The school's principal, Eric Dufour, unaware of any formal notification, plans to legally contest the decision. He insists that the school strongly upholds republican values, a stance seemingly supported by a 2020 education ministry report.
Future operations are in jeopardy without public funds, as increasing school fees to compensate is not feasible. Parents, including Mohamed Daoudi who values the school for its academic excellence, see this move as a severe injustice that seems retaliatory. Daoudi, ready to relocate if necessary, expresses discontent at the growing pressure faced by law-abiding Muslims in France.
