Quebec to audit 17 schools on secularism law compliance [Video]

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville says his department will investigate complaints involving 17 schools across the province where it is alleged that state secularism is not being respected.

“Complaints and reports have been brought to the attention of the (Education Department) regarding issues related to non-compliance with secular obligations,” the Education Department said in a statement. “Many citizens responded to the call to inform the government of any situation where behaviour contrary to the values of Quebec society is observed.”

Questions around religious neutrality in schools have been swirling since the publication last month of an Education Department report on a school in Montreal, where media reports had exposed questionable religious practices and a toxic climate. A government investigation found that a “dominant clan” at Bedford school imposed strict, autocratic rule over students.

The investigation revealed that the teachers, who were allegedly influenced by the local mosque, subjected children to …