French Education Minister Édouard Geffray has said that the abaya, a traditional Muslim garment, should not be allowed in schools, reinforcing the government’s commitment to secularism. He emphasized that secularism in France is a principle that should not be compromised or negotiated. This statement comes amid a growing political debate, following comments from leaders of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), who have criticized the policy. The ban on the abaya in schools was introduced in September 2023 by then-Education Minister Gabriel Attal, who made it a key part of his political agenda. The policy is part of a broader effort to maintain strict secularism in public institutions, which is a core value in French society. Under this policy, certain religious symbols, including the abaya, are not permitted in schools to ensure a neutral environment for all students. LFI leaders, including Mathilde Panot, head of LFI's parliamentary group, have strongly opposed the ban, calling it "absurd." They cited an incident where two girls wearing similar dresses were treated differently based on their perceived ethnicity, suggesting the policy may be applied inconsistently. Panot also mentioned that LFI might reconsider the ban if Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the party’s leader, were to win the 2027 presidential election. Other political figures, including Gabriel Attal, Marine Le Pen, and Édouard Philippe, have accused LFI of undermining secularism. Geffray reiterated that school environments must remain neutral, stating that religious symbols like the abaya, the veil, large crosses, and kippas should not be present in schools. His comments reflect the ongoing tension between maintaining secular principles and addressing concerns about religious freedom and discrimination.