| By: |
Maurin, Eric (Paris School of Economics);
Navarrete H., Nicolas (Paris School of Economics) |
| Abstract: |
Immigration from Muslim countries is a source of tensions in many Western
countries. Several countries have adopted regulations restricting religious
expression and emphasizing the neutrality of the public sphere. We explore the
effect of the most emblematic of these regulations: the prohibition of Islamic
veils in French schools. In September 1994, a circular from the French
Ministry of Education asked teachers and principals to ban Islamic veils in
public schools. In March 2004, the parliament took one-step further and
enshrined prohibition in law. This paper provides evidence that the 1994
circular contributed to improving the educational outcomes of female students
with a Muslim background and to reducing educational inequalities between
Muslim and non-Muslim students. We also provide evidence suggesting that the
2004 law has not generated any further improvements. |
| Keywords: |
Islamic veil, high-school graduation |
| JEL: |
I21 J15 |
| Date: |
2019–09 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12645&r=all |