Guide to secularism at university

On the occasion of Secularism Day, December 9, France Universités distributed a completely updated and renewed version of its Secularism Guide. The purpose of this guide is to help staff apply the principle of secularism in the specific context of universities, by combining respect for individual freedoms with the principle of neutrality in public services, which is not always easy. Vincent THOMAS, President of the University of Burgundy, France Universités' "référent laïcité" (secular referent), and main architect of the guide he co-authored, will lead a conference-debate on the guide and secularity at university.

Download the Guide to Secularism on the France Université website

The principle of laïcité is a set of precise legal rules that go far beyond what any of us may think. Some situations are not easy to sort out. To whom does the obligation of neutrality in public services strictly apply? Are there limits to the right of religious expression for university users? How much is left to interpretation of the rules and case law in this area? The conference-debate will attempt to provide clear, practical answers to these questions, using the guide as a starting point.

Following a presentation of the new version of the guide, Vincent THOMAS will answer questions from participants. In preparation for this time of exchange and debate, please think about the questions you would like to raise with the speaker, and let us know about any difficulties or questions that may have arisen in your professional activities at the university. You can indicate them at the end of the registration form.

Speaker:

• Vincent THOMAS, Laïcité referent for France Universités, President of the University of Burgundy.

To find out more

Free online module for public officials :

• "fundamentals of secularism" on the MENTOR platform

Resources produced by the Observatoire de la Laïcité :

• Video: What is laïcité?
• Secularism in the civil service: civil servant fact sheet
• Public service users: users' page