The Impact of Law 21 on Québec Students in Law and Education: Executive Summary of Findings

The authors note that much of the debate regarding the Quebec government’s Bill 21, titled “An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State” and enacted in 2019, has taken for granted majority support within the province for the prohibition on the wearing of visible religious symbols by teachers, lawyers fulfilling certain functions, police officers and others. They believe that this can flatten the diversity of views. Their survey of Quebec students in law and education was designed to investigate the impact of the law on a group among those most directly impacted by the legislation . Findings from their survey suggest pronounced and amplified experiences of discrimination among students who wear religious symbols since Bill 21 was passed. This discrimination includes experiences of diminished job prospects and a rise in increased incidents of hostility and harassment, on the streets, in classrooms, and in places of employment. Many respondents who do not wear religious symbols voiced concern over the law’s impact on their classmates, friends, and family members. This survey suggests that a number of people trained in Quebec are planning to leave the province in order to practice education and law elsewhere, including students who do not wear a religious symbol. Furthermore, the survey found that students who wear religious symbols are choosing not to begin careers in education because of the legislation. However, a larger number of respondents indicated they are considering leaving Quebec than are changing career paths. The authors suggest that mobility should be considered as a factor in debates over the law. Their report provides an executive summary of key findings in addition to select written comments. It also includes reflections on directions for future research.

[Executive Report]

2023

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