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Marrakech Court Upholds Hijabi Student’s Right to Religious Expression in French School

Tuesday 25 June 2024 - 13:20

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In a landmark decision, a Marrakech court has ruled in favor of a female student who was barred from entering Lycée Victor Hugo for wearing a hijab. This verdict, delivered on June 21st, underscores the student's right to religious expression within the foreign-operated educational institution.

The controversy began on June 10th when the student was denied entry due to the school's policy prohibiting visible religious symbols. Acting swiftly, the student's mother filed a lawsuit against the ban just three days later.

Lycée Victor Hugo, managed by the French agency AEFE, defended the ban by citing internal regulations and a cultural agreement between France and Morocco. However, the court found these arguments unpersuasive. It highlighted that the school's policy conflicted with Morocco's constitution and international treaties that safeguard freedom of religion.

The court ordered the immediate reinstatement of the student, deeming the hijab ban a violation of her fundamental rights. Additionally, AEFE faces a daily fine of 500 dirhams for each day the student remains excluded from class.

This ruling echoes a similar case from 2020 involving another private school in Kenitra, marking a significant victory for religious freedom advocates in Morocco. By upholding the nation's commitment to equality and non-discrimination, the decision ensures that all students, regardless of their faith, have the right to education.

The case sets a precedent for other educational institutions that might consider implementing similar bans. It empowers students facing religious discrimination to assert their rights to freely express their beliefs, reinforcing the principles of religious liberty and inclusivity in Morocco’s education system.