The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has approved, in first reading, a draft decree aimed at clarifying, strengthening and harmonising the application of the principle of neutrality across all institutions within its remit.
In concrete terms, this text:
- Unifies the definition of neutrality in the Education Code for all networks concerned: officially organised education, officially subsidised education by the French Community, and subsidised non-denominational free education that has chosen to adopt the principle of neutrality (including adult education and reduced-hours secondary arts education). This approach aims to simplify and clarify the existing framework.
- Establishes an appearance of neutrality for staff at these institutions, by banning the wearing of visible religious or ideological symbols. This measure also extends to guidance centres, boarding schools and outdoor centres attached to these schools.
- Reaffirms neutrality in the transmission of knowledge, and guards against the tendency towards self-censorship among teachers: teaching must be delivered with objectivity, while guaranteeing freedom of expression for pupils.
- Introduces regular monitoring of compliance with the principle of neutrality: a report will be presented to the Government every two years, which the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation may examine.
A single content for the concept of neutrality
The draft decree merges the provisions on neutrality from the Code of Primary and Secondary Education, which until now were separated between organised education and officially subsidised education. This harmonisation, justified by the similarity of existing texts, aims to simplify the legal framework and make neutrality-related obligations clearer and more readable for all education stakeholders.
Ban on wearing visible religious or ideological symbols
The draft decree provides for a ban on wearing visible religious or ideological symbols for all staff at institutions where the principle of neutrality applies (officially organised and subsidised education, as well as non-denominational free education that adheres to it).
This concerns all staff (teachers, management, educational and administrative staff, workers, kitchen staff, paramedical staff, and trainees) in schools, guidance centres, boarding schools and outdoor centres within these networks. An exception is provided for religion and ethics teachers, solely within the context of their lessons.
Visible religious or ideological symbols are defined as "any item of clothing or accessory expressing a political, ideological, philosophical or religious belief or identity".
In practical terms, the ban is incorporated into the statutes and organisation of the schools concerned.
In addition, the Government will draw up a register of all schools in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation regarding the regulations on wearing visible religious or ideological symbols by staff and pupils, across all networks, given that no such data currently exists.
For a transmission of knowledge without self-censorship
The Government proposes to update the Education Code in order to guarantee pedagogical freedom while preserving the neutrality of the school environment.
Currently, the Education Code stipulates (according to wording from the decree of 31 March 1994) that teaching staff must address certain issues "in terms that cannot offend the opinions and feelings of any pupil". Teachers are tasked with enabling all pupils to acquire knowledge, skills and competences in line with the curricula. The current obligation never to "offend" pupils' opinions can lead to a form of self-censorship, preventing the transmission of certain essential learning content.
For example, in certain subjects (philosophy, history, languages, science or the arts) some content is sometimes contested. This may include the theory of evolution, the presentation of artworks depicting nudity, scientific diagrams or experiments, classic or fantasy literary readings, or sensitive historical and societal topics such as the Holocaust, gender equality or LGBTQIA+ minority rights.
The proposed amendment therefore aims to remove this provision and replace it with a principle of mutual respect and freedom of expression for pupils. This change will strengthen the core mission of schools: transmitting knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and shaping enlightened citizens, without fear or self-censorship.
Furthermore, the rules on neutrality and objectivity remain unchanged, as the Education Code already provides the necessary safeguards by stating that “facts are presented and commented on, whether orally or in writing, with the greatest possible objectivity”; and that teaching staff, in front of pupils, “refrain from any partisan attitude or remark on ideological, moral or social issues that are topical and divide public opinion”.
Support and guidance for teachers
Teachers must be supported and trained to manage disputes related to learning content, while respecting pupils' diversity and freedom of expression.
The planned measures include:
- A reminder of the legal framework and principles of neutrality by school management and reference documents.
- Educational tools and support from specialised bodies (CiMéDé: Citizenship, Memory and Democracy Department, mobile support teams trained in managing issues of polarisation, extremism and radicalism, school projects).
- Targeted training for teachers and school heads, including awareness-raising on radicalisation and police interventions.
Strengthening control and inspection
- The General Inspection Service ensures compliance with the principle of neutrality in schools.
- We propose to reinstate the drafting of a biennial report, a measure originally provided for by the decree of 17 December 2003 but removed when it was incorporated into the Education Code, in order to guarantee transparency and regular monitoring.
Valérie Glatigny, Minister for Education and Adult Education: "This decree aims above all to guarantee a neutral and peaceful school environment. In a context where identity-based tensions can sometimes be reflected even in classrooms, it is essential to prevent any form of polarisation. Schools must remain a place of learning, respect and freedom for all. With this text, our ambition is simple: to allow every pupil to develop freely, without pressure or influence, in an environment that reflects democratic values, freedom of conscience and equality between women and men."