Secularism at university: what are we talking about?
Université de Lorraine fights against all forms of religious discrimination and works to ensure that the principles of secularism are respected throughout the establishment.
“The public service of higher education and research is secular and independent of any political, economic, religious, or ideological influence. It strives for objectivity in knowledge and respects the diversity of opinions. It must guarantee teaching and research the freedom necessary for their scientific, creative, and critical development.”
— Article L141.6 du code de l’éducation
The principles of secularism apply differently depending on whether you are a student or university staff member:
YOU are a student
Students, as users of the public higher education and research service, have the right to education regardless of their actual or presumed religious beliefs. They therefore have the right to wear visible religious symbols or clothing expressing a religious conviction on university campuses if they wish. However, covering the face, even for religious reasons, is prohibited within university premises.
YOU ARE STAFF, SPEAKERS, OR GUESTS
- Administrative, technical, teaching, and research staff are public agents. As such, they are subject to the duty of neutrality and must refrain from expressing their religious opinions while performing their duties. They are required to treat all individuals equally and to respect their freedom of conscience and dignity (Article L121-2 of the French Civil Service Code).
- However, teacher-researchers enjoy freedom of expression in their teaching and research activities, which is framed by the principles of tolerance and objectivity.
- External guest lecturers, who are not bound by a public contract, are not subject to this duty of neutrality.
If you are a victim of discrimination or discriminatory harassment, or notice acts of proselytism, contact the Université de Lorraine’s reporting system:
– +33 6 38 97 73 91
– stop-violences@univ-lorraine.fr
If you have any questions about secularism, please contact the school’s secularism officer:
– referent-laicite@univ-lorraine.fr