In an interview with the JDD, Eric Ciotti, the Member of Parliament for the 1st constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes and head of the department’s finance committee, expresses his support for experimenting with school uniforms in the colleges of the Alpes-Maritimes.
It’s back-to-school time for nearly 12 million students in France this Monday, September 4. In addition to purchasing school supplies which represent a significant expense, families also need to think about renewing their children’s wardrobes. This concern might become a thing of the past in a few years. Why? Following the announcements from the Ministry of Education, Eric Ciotti wants to experiment with school uniforms in the colleges of the Alpes-Maritimes. “We want to launch an experiment in this direction in the colleges of the Alpes-Maritimes, in agreement with the president of the departmental council,” says the head of the department’s finance committee, claiming to have discussed this proposal with Gabriel Attal.”
A statement related to the recent ban on wearing the ‘abaya in schools. This modern long dress worn by Muslim women is considered by the Government to be an ostentatious religious symbol.
“A way to reduce social differences”
Besides the religious aspect, which concerns a non-majority portion of students in French schools, the President of the LR party sees it as “a way to reduce social differences.” According to an IFOP survey from 2017, 63% of French people say they are in favor of “the return of uniforms in schools.” While the term “return,” also used by Eric Ciotti, is incorrect since uniforms have never been mandatory for everyone in public schools, the idea of adopting the model of our British neighbors doesn’t seem to discourage families in France.
