The introduction of religious and ideological 'neutrality' in East Flemish provincial schools has been postponed to September 2026.
The decision would apply to both students and staff, banning any visible symbols of religious or political beliefs, such as headscarves, skullcaps, crosses, or party badges.
In recent months, there have been heated debates in the East Flemish provincial council, with N-VA securing support for the measure from far-right Vlaams Belang after abstentions from coalition partners. However, Flemish Education Minister Hilde Crevits annulled the decision made on 30 April, because necessary recommendations from school councils were unavailable when the decision was made.
Crevits acknowledged the legitimacy and proportionality of the policy but stated that the regulatory change was legally flawed. Despite having the option to appeal, the provincial government decided against it.
“A legal battle helps no one, especially not our students,” said Kurt Moens, local politician in charge of education. “We’re using the delay to prepare a thoroughly legally sound regulation, with tailored guidance.” Consequently, the issue will not be revisited in the provincial council in the near future.
The measure is intended to apply across the entire network of schools, but in practice, the changes will only concern a limited number.
In schools subsidised by the Flemish and French-speaking Communities, there is a general ban on religious symbols, but in private and freely subsidised education, including Catholic education, each school can determine its policy on religious symbols.
For the schools of the municipal, local and provincial education systems, local councils decide, in consultation with management, on whether wearing religious symbols is allowed or not.
