Court rejects complaints: political debates remain banned in Vaud schools

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The ban on debates in schools in the canton of Vaud caused an uproar across the country. State councilor Fréderic Borloz informed school directors in an internal directive on August 31 that political debates in Vaud’s educational institutions are now prohibited in the ten weeks before the elections.

According to Borloz, this policy is intended to prevent vote capture during the election campaign and maintain the neutrality of the school.

As a result, several members of mainly left-wing parties and trade unions filed a complaint three weeks ago. The Constitutional Court of Vaud has now decided: the ban remains in force.

A full and reasoned judgment will be given to the parties at a later date, according to a press release from the Council of State on Friday evening. “The General Directorates and the Department of Education take note of this decision. “The ministry will make no further comment until it receives the full assessment,” the government added.

‘Prohibition contradicts political education’

About two weeks ago, the same court informed the parties involved that the suspensive effect that would normally occur automatically is not currently being considered.

The complainants believe that a hostile debate at school does not fall under political propaganda and does not affect the neutrality of education. According to them, such a ban contradicts the political education of young people.

Their complaint sought a suspensive effect on the State Council’s instructions to organize debates in the context of the federal elections in October. However, the opponents also hope for a victory in the case in the long term. Their aim is to have the directive annulled. (SDA)

Source:Blick