In a parliamentary committee, Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) felt that such a school “did not contribute to integration or a harmonious society” in Flanders. Problem: its majority partners, the CD&V and the Open VLD judge them that the project, if it respects the rules, cannot be refused under the principle of freedom of education guaranteed by the Constitution.
At the heart of the controversy: the school project called Plura-C, the new name of the Selam college in Genk. This Islamic school had in the past been refused recognition by the Flemish Community for its links with the conservative Islamic movement Milli Görüs.
In order to be able to benefit from funding from the Flemish Community from now on, the school’s organizing authority has made a series of changes to its school project. Changes that the Flemish education inspection services have however deemed insufficient.
Contesting this opinion, the school finally brought the matter before the Council of State, which confirmed that the modifications made to the project had not been sufficiently taken into account by the administration.
While criticizing the judgment of the Council of State, Ben Weyts assured Thursday that a new evaluation procedure had nevertheless been launched by the inspection services. It is on the basis of this opinion that it will be decided whether or not Plura-C can open its doors next September.
The nationalized minister, however, did not hide his reluctance on Thursday towards schools of Islamic inspiration in Flanders.
“I don’t see how this type of school can contribute to integration and a harmonious society. We are doing a disservice to the children and parents concerned,” he said.
Only Vlaams Belang shared Ben Weyts’ position. The Open VLD and the CD&V, the two majority partners of the N-VA, recalled the principle of freedom of education guaranteed by the Belgian Constitution.
Also saying that he was not a supporter of Islamic schools, Jean-Jacques De Gucht (Open VLD) nevertheless recalled that it was, given the Constitution, “impossible to ban them if they respect the rules”.
The CD&V, through its MP Hilal Yalçin, was even more firm. “We cannot be a little in favor of freedom of education. For the CD&V, freedom of worship applies to all philosophies, without distinction, including Islam”, she said. insisted, urging Minister Weyts to examine this file “without prejudice”.
The Groen opposition has also denounced the attitude of Minister Weyts.
