The Quebec government is putting forward a bill that would prohibit students from having their faces covered at school.
The legislation, if passed, would mean Muslim girls who wear a full face veil would be unable to do so.
“The bill sets out the obligation for students to have their face uncovered when they are on the premises placed at the disposal of a school, a vocational training centre or adult education centre or a private educational institution,” according to Bill 94’s explanatory notes.
The legislation would also extend the ban on the wearing of religious symbols to all staff in public schools and school service centres, not just teachers and principals, as was previously the case under Bill 21.
This would include workers who provide services to students enrolled in before and after-school care.
A historical clause for staff already in their position is included in the bill.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many students and staff this would affect.
Education Minister Bernard Drainville, who is expected to hold a news conference later this morning, has said the legislation is an attempt to strengthen secularism in schools after reports of tension at a Montreal school last fall.
The controversy ultimately led to 11 teachers being suspended for allegedly creating a toxic environment for students and staff since 2016 at Bedford elementary school.
The legislation also includes provision that would require teachers to be subjected to an annual review.
The bill’s explanatory notes say teachers will be obliged to “submit instructional planning to the principal of the institution and the obligation for the principal to evaluate teachers each year.”
More to come.
