Starting this school year, students in Quebec are required to have their faces visible while attending school. The recent passing of Bill 94 by the Legault government aims to promote secularism within the Quebec school system.
The bill received support from the CAQ government members, along with Parti Québécois MNAs, while opposition came from the Liberals and Québec solidaire. Following the vote, the law was promptly approved by the Lieutenant Governor.
A key aspect of the new law is the expansion of the prohibition on wearing religious symbols to encompass students and all staff in public schools, as well as individuals working with educational institutions through agreements. This includes various roles such as daycare workers, educational advisors, psychologists, and even volunteers or coaches involved in school activities.
The legislation was prompted by an investigation into Bedford School in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges, where reports surfaced last year about a group of North African teachers fostering a negative work environment.
