French Muslim Community Expresses Alarm as Government Cracks Down on Islamic Schools

France’s recent crackdown on private Islamic schools has sparked widespread condemnation and reignited debates about religious freedom and systemic bias. 

The government’s decision to terminate state contracts with Lycee Averroes in Lille and the Al-Kindi school network in Lyon has been met with fierce criticism from the French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM), which called the measures “disproportionate and unjustified.” 

The closures come as part of a broader campaign against institutions accused of violating administrative and “republican” values. Yet the affected schools and their communities argue that these actions are politically motivated. 

“These decisions reflect a troubling trend of systemic suspicion towards Muslims in France,” the CFCM emphasized in a statement, highlighting the unequal treatment compared to other schools embroiled in controversies, such as Lycee Stanislas in Paris, which has not faced equivalent repercussions. 

Muslim women protesting against discriminatory policies targeting their attire and religious expression

The Al-Kindi school network, which serves over 600 students in Lyon, has been accused of discriminatory practices and holding library books promoting “jihad.” 

However, lawyers representing the institution have dismissed these allegations as unfounded, accusing the government of targeting Muslim communities under the guise of upholding secular values.

These actions are not occurring in isolation. The rhetoric surrounding Muslims in France has grown increasingly hostile, fueled by figures like Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. 

Retailleau has sparked outrage with divisive statements targeting Muslim women who wear headscarves, labeling them symbols of “political Islam” and advocating for their ban in universities and school outings. 

Critics have denounced this stance as a deliberate attempt to marginalize Muslims further, undermining the principles of equality and freedom. 

Retailleau’s remarks coincided with the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, where he controversially implied a connection between Muslim women’s attire and extremist acts. 

This inflammatory rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism for exacerbating stereotypes and deflecting attention from deeper societal challenges such as inequality and systemic bias.

A woman raising voice in protest against the government's anti-Muslim policies

 Amid this growing hostility, the judiciary has emerged as a potential safeguard for marginalized communities. The CFCM pointed to a recent legal victory in Nice, where a court overturned the closure of College Avicenne, as evidence that justice can prevail against discriminatory actions. 

“This precedent shows that the justice system remains an essential and effective recourse for defending the rights of these institutions,” the council noted. 

The CFCM has urged other affected schools to pursue legal action and called on public authorities to ensure their decisions are “just, proportionate, and based on established facts.” 

Failure to do so, the council warned, risks further alienating already marginalized communities and exacerbating societal divides. France is home to a six million Muslim community. 

While the government justifies its actions as efforts to uphold secularism, critics argue that these measures contradict the core principles of liberty, equality and fraternity that the nation prides itself on.