Ban on All Religious Symbols in Belgian Public Schools, Including Headscarves, Draws Criticism
The decision by East Flanders province to prohibit religious, ideological, and political symbols in public schools has sparked protests and legal challenges
A new policy in Belgium’s East Flanders province will ban the display of all religious, ideological, and political symbols—including Islamic headscarves—in public schools starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The rule, announced by the provincial government based in Ghent, will apply to both students and teachers, with the exception of instructors teaching Islam classes. The decision has ignited strong reactions, particularly in areas with significant Muslim communities.
Following the announcement, protesters gathered in front of the provincial government building in Ghent, chanting slogans like “My headscarf, my choice.” In the city’s Richtpunt campus, which is part of the affected area, close to 100 out of 700 students reportedly wear headscarves. Critics argue that the ban targets Muslim women in particular, restricting their right to freely express their identity in schools.
The Ghent Mosque Association, representing 23 mosques, has announced plans to appeal the decision to Belgium’s Council of State. The group claims there was insufficient consultation with stakeholders and urges that the voices of affected communities be heard. Meanwhile, First Vice President Kurt Moens defended the measure on behalf of the provincial government, stressing that it was approved by a broad majority in the provincial parliament through a transparent process. The ban is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.
