Guide to Secularism at University

On Secularism Day, December 9, France Universités released a completely updated and revised version of its Guide to Secularism. This guide is intended to assist staff in applying the principle of secularism in the specific context of the university 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' secularism advisor, and principal architect of the guide, of which he is co-author, will lead a conference-debate on the guide and secularism at the university.

Download the Guide to Secularism from the France Université website.

Beyond the representation that each of us may have of it, the principle of secularism corresponds to a set of specific legal rules. Some situations are not easy to untangle. 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 room is there for interpretation of the rules and case law in this area? Based on the guide, the conference-debate will attempt to provide clear and concrete answers to these questions.

After presenting the new version of the guide and highlighting its new features, Vincent THOMAS will answer questions from participants. In preparation for this discussion and debate, please think about any questions you would like to ask the speaker and share with us any difficulties or questions that may have arisen in your professional activities at the university. You can indicate these at the end of the registration form.

Speaker:

• Vincent THOMAS, Secularism Advisor for France Universités, President of the University of Burgundy.

To learn more

Free online module reserved for public officials:

• “Fundamentals of secularism” on the MENTOR platform

Resources produced by the Observatory of Secularism:

• Video, in brief: What is secularism?
• Secularism in the civil service: civil servant fact sheet
• Public service users: user information sheet