More than a dozen schools under Quebec’s watch for possible violations of secularism law [Video]

Quebec’s Education Ministry is monitoring 17 schools for possible violations of the province’s secularism law.

According to a statement from the ministry, it is sending auditors to those schools to monitor them between today and mid-January.

In its statement Thursday morning, the Education Ministry said it received several complaints and reports regarding violations of the secularism law, which is commonly referred to as Bill 21.

The ministry says the information it received pertains to the secularism law’s “four principles”: the separation of the state and religions, religious neutrality, equality, and the freedom of conscience and religion.

“The mandates for these auditors are necessary to protect our students. Schools exist for them. Their safety and wellbeing have to be our top priorities,” Drainville said in a statement. 

“We cannot let people with unacceptable behaviours or motives based on ideologies or personal beliefs enter our schools.”