“It's better to say it”: the message “Secular public school” is now displayed on all the facades of schools in Montpellier

In Port-Marianne, as everywhere in the city, the three words are displayed on the school plaque. ML – GR

Faithful to the principle of secularism, which he never misses an opportunity to defend, Mayor Michaël Delafosse has had signs put up on all of the city's schools.

This summer, new signs were installed on the facades of the city's schools. In addition to the motto of the Republic – "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité"–, most of the time we find the reasons why the personality who gave his name to the school was famous.

Near the Astruc estate, it is thus indicated that Goethe was “German novelist, poet, scientist and statesman”. This allows children, and some adults, to revise their general knowledge in passing.

But the main addition on each sign is in three words: “secular public school”. Mayor Michaël Delafosse explained this on Monday, August 26, during a visit to the construction sites in schools.

“A principle of harmony and emancipation”

“Public schools are secular by nature, but it's better to say so, the elected official emphasizes. Sometimes, teachers who may be tense because of exchanges (with students or parents) can point out to them that it is written on the school."

"If there is not a particular food dish linked to a denomination on the menu, for example, it is because the schools are secular. This serves as a reminder that the principle of secularism is a principle of harmony and emancipation.”