The ideological and religious neutrality of the State is a rule that financial aid to the proper functioning of a democratic society. But neutrality requires opening spaces of coexistence in which each citizen can freely express himself as he is. Imposing a certain conception of the world and culture is a common place where totalitarian regimes have easily fallen.

In a public school where the majority of the students are Muslims, it is logical that the decoration of the classrooms should be an expression of their culture, respectful of all. It would be fair that Jewish families could send their children to public or charter schools where their identity is respected, and they deserve the support of the whole society. Is it not fair that a Christian should also find in the public school an environment of freedom? No one can feel offended by some verses of the Koran beautifully written on a lintel, the presence of a Star of David as a decorative element, or a crucifix hanging on the wall. Nor is it wrong that some classrooms have only a blackboard and desks.

In a pluralistic society, decisions in each case must be made by the people involved. A legal battle against religious symbols in public schools is a manifestation of fanaticism, because intolerance is the attempt to impose the dogma of secularism on everyone. Will math teachers have to change even the addition sign? The cross adds, not subtracts or divides.