Averroes in Crisis: Frances Largest Muslim School set to lose state funding Frances largest Muslim high school, Averroes, is set to lose state funding over alleged administrative failures and questionable teaching practices, local authorities announced Monday.The school, which opened in 2003 in Lille as Frances first Muslim high school, currently has over 800 students. While following the standard French curriculum, it also offers religious classes.However, in a media report from October, the Interior Ministrys regional office claimed Averroes suffers from financial and administrative dysfunction, and that some teachings do not align with French republican values. Officials declined to give specific examples of the contract termination. France cracks down on Muslims in the country The move represents the latest crackdown on Muslims in France which has Europes largest Muslim population. Critics argue that the government has grown increasingly hostile in the wake of terrorist attacks in 2015.Recent actions include banning the abaya, the loose-fitting, full-length robe worn by some Muslim women, in public schools and deporting an area imam last year. School dean says We do more than any other school Averroes headmaster Eric Dufour stated he has yet to receive official notice, but the school plans to appeal the decision in court. Dufour insisted “We do more than any other school” when it comes to promoting republican values, echoing a 2020 inspection report finding no issues.Without state aid, Dufour says they cannot afford current costs. Defunding of school faces criticisms Parent Mohamed Daoudi enrolled his son at Averroes for its high academic results, calling the defunding “an injustice doubled with an insult.”As France continues tightening restrictions on its Muslim population, some feel they are being unfairly targeted no matter how closely they follow the rules. “We do everything by the book,” Daoudi said, “and we are still being pestered.”
