Belgium Plans to Ban Religious and Political Symbols in Public Schools

Belgium Plans to Ban Religious and Political Symbols in Public Schools
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Belgium is set to ban visible religious and political symbols in public schools starting next academic year, after initial approval by the education committee of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Parliament.

The draft decree, supported by Education Minister Valerie Glatigny, aims to reinforce neutrality across the public education system. The proposed rules would apply to teachers, administrators, trainees, support staff such as cleaners and cooks, as well as personnel in psycho-medical-social centers, boarding facilities, and educational camps.

Under the draft, wearing visible religious, philosophical, or political symbols—including the Islamic headscarf, Christian cross, Star of David, or clothing and accessories expressing political or ideological views—would be prohibited. An exception would be made for teachers of religion and ethics, who may wear such symbols as part of their teaching duties.

During discussions, Minister Glatigny stressed that schools are not immune to extremism and said the measure aims to provide a neutral learning environment that promotes democratic and pluralistic values.

If adopted, the decree will take effect in the next school year across official networks, including Wallonia-Brussels Education institutions, municipal and regional schools, and non-religious free schools. Privately run religious schools would be exempt.

The proposal received support from ruling coalition parties, while opposition groups, including the Socialist Party and the Green Party, abstained. The Workers’ Party of Belgium voted against it. Final approval is expected in a plenary parliamentary session in the coming weeks.