Possible Expansion of Quebec’s Religious Symbols Ban to Include School Staff Beyond Teachers

February 28, 2025 TruthUSA

The Quebec government is considering extending its prohibition of religious symbols to include school staff members other than teachers.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville is aiming to reinforce secularism in schools by enacting legislation on gender equality and broadening the scope of the ban on religious symbols for public employees.

A report released today about 17 schools found to be violating the province’s secularism regulations highlights that employees like school daycare workers and speech therapists are not subject to the ban, despite their interactions with students.

The report also reveals inconsistencies in enforcing the rule against teachers wearing religious symbols.

It identifies instances where teachers use languages other than French and where students at one high school cover their faces with a veil or a medical mask.

Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21, prohibits public employees such as teachers and police officers from wearing religious symbols while on duty.