For the first time, public schools in France have begun expelling female students who come to school dressed in an 'abaya', a traditional Islamic robe for women that combines a veil and body covering together.
After last week, the French authorities announced that it was decided to ban the Islamic dress, the state schools expelled during the last day dozens of female students who continued to come to school dressed in an 'abaya'.
The expulsion of the students comes against the background of the decision of the Ministry of Education, and the French Minister of Education, who stated that the 'abaya' conflicts with the principles of the French Republic, one of the most prominent principles of which is the prohibition of wearing religious symbols in public institutions, as part of the French concept of the idea of separating the state and freedom from religion.
According to the Ministry of Education, at least 300 female students were either refused entry to schools or expelled from their studies throughout the day. Most of these girls were allowed to return after agreeing to exchange their religious clothing for different attire.
French President Macron commented on the issue a few days ago, saying in a conversation with journalists that: "It is important to uphold the values of the Republic, but it is also important to do so without unnecessary stigmatization of Muslims."
