The Honors College and the Phronesis program in politics and ethics sponsored a panel on March 25 that offered perspectives on the recent French law that bans the burqa.

Banning the Burqa in France: Where Multiculturalism and Secular Values Collide

In September of 2010, the French Senate passed a law banning the wearing of burqas and other face coverings by a margin of 246-1. The law goes into effect on April 11. Does this law enhance or restrict the freedom of French Citizens? Is it justified by France’s commitment to secular principles or a troubling sign of increasing intolerance of Muslim values? Could a law like this be passed in the United States? Panelists include:

• Dr. Dina Alsowayel (Department of Women’s Studies, University of Houston)
• Fatima Hye (Student, University of Houston)
• Dr. Ron Mallon (Department of Philosophy, University of Utah)
• Dr. Robert Zaretsky (Department of History and the Honors College, University of Houston)