East Flanders Delays School Neutrality Policy Implementation Until 2026
The East Flanders Provincial Government has postponed the introduction of its proposed neutrality policy in provincial schools until September 2026. This measure, which prohibits visible signs of religious or political affiliation—including headscarves, yarmulkes, crosses, and party badges—will apply to both students and staff, reports 24brussels.
Political Tensions Delay Vote
The neutrality proposal has generated significant debate within the provincial council in recent months. It is part of the governing agreement among N-VA, CD&V, and Vooruit, but previous votes have not achieved a majority due to several Vooruit councillors abstaining.
N-VA gained support from Vlaams Belang, which has advocated for the ban and positioned itself as a defender of a fully neutral educational environment. This political alliance has intensified the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
Last week, Flemish education minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) annulled the measure, citing a procedural error: the necessary recommendations from school councils had not been obtained prior to the adoption of the new regulations. Although she acknowledged that the principle of neutrality is “legitimate and proportionate,” she deemed the legal implementation invalid due to this procedural oversight. The provincial government opted not to appeal the annulment.
“A legal battle doesn’t help anyone, especially not our students,” said Kurt Moens (N-VA), the deputy for education. “We want to avoid schools being left in uncertainty about which regulations are currently in effect. We’re using the postponement to prepare robust, legally sound regulations, including tailored guidance.” Moens also mentioned that resubmitting the proposal to the council remains a possibility.
Implementation Expected in 2026
While the ban is under revision, it is now slated to take effect in time for the 2026-2027 academic year. Moens indicated that the additional time will be utilized to acclimate students, parents, and staff to the forthcoming changes.
Although the ban is set to apply across the provincial education network, its practical impact is expected to be minimal, affecting only a limited number of institutions.
In the interim, existing school regulations will remain in effect. The province is currently working on legally and substantively revised rules that will apply to all provincial schools from 2026 onwards.
