Reply #131: But students are equal before the law

[Paschall]

And the state has the obligation to treat all students equally and provide the same education to all.

For example, no student can claim exemption from certain classes (physical education, biology, or any mixed-gender activities) based on religious beliefs.

(Certain measures are taken in French public schools to accomodate religious dietary practices, but no exemptions are allowed for course content.)

The French have adopted the solution of making the classroom a religion free zone to ensure the highest level of equality. I realize it seems odd from an American point of view, but if you put your mind to it, it's not nearly as shocking as you make it out to be. Particularly when you realize, as BonjourUSA has pointed out, the French rarely discuss religion or share information about their faith in a professional or social context. When we say something is private, we mean private.

A final example about secularism and privacy that may give you an idea of French mentality, customs, and law: The secular principle is so strict that the government is prohibited from collecting any data on citizens' religious beliefs. Imagine your next census form without those checkboxes.