France set to terminate state contract of Private Averroes [Ibn Rushd] High School - Le Figaro

There have been reports indicating that the state contract for Private Averroes High School in France, a prominent institution where Muslim students are educated, may be terminated.

As reported by Le Figaro, the Hauts-de-France Regional Governorate is pursuing the cancellation of Private Averroes High School's state contract in Lille due to its high success rate of over 90% in university placements.

At the governor's behest, the private education advisory commission voted yesterday to terminate the contract providing state funding for teachers and staff salaries at the school.

Most of the members of the commission voted to terminate the contract made with the school back in 2008. This decision was based on concerns surrounding undisclosed donations to the school and the teaching of "Salafi doctrine" which goes against republican principles.

As highlighted in a statement released by the Federation of French Muslims, there is great concern over the decision of the commission to terminate the contract with Averroes High School.

Not only does this decision jeopardize the future of a successful Muslim educational institution, but it also sends a troubling message to all private schools.

Established in 2003, the school welcomed Muslim students who were unable to attend other educational institutions due to their headscarves. Over time, enrollment grew and in 2012, Averroes Middle School was established. Presently, Averroes High School and Middle School have a combined student population of over 800.