I wanted to inform you about a Diversity Essay Competition being organized by the Sikh Coalition to promote a healthy discussion about pluralism among young people.

Freedom of Conscience in Contemporary Society

On February 10, 2004, the French Parliament voted 494 against 36 to approve a bill of legislation which bans all conspicuous “religious” symbols and articles of faith from public schools. The bill passed France's national legislature and was signed into law by President Jacques Chirac on March 15, 2004. The law disproportionately affects those for whom the wearing of “religious” articles is considered an obligation, not a choice—an obligation that cannot change, whether the practitioners are in public or private spheres.

In an essay of 1,000 words, please discuss the implications of the French ban for the minority communities of France who have been impacted by it. In your essay, please take only one of the two positions below:

If you favor the ban: While engaging with issues faced by communities impacted by the ban, please discuss how France’s conception of secularism (laïcité) can be used to shed light on the ban.

If you oppose the ban: What makes you oppose it? Please outline a strategy through which the international community may be mobilized to force France to repeal the ban.

All entries will be eligible for the following awards:
First Place: $1,000
Second Place $500
Third Place $250

All entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2008.

All completed entries (application form and essay) should be sent to:

The Sikh Coalition - Essay Competition
P.O. Box 7038
Olympia, WA 98501-7038

For detailed rules, eligibility requirements, and the application form, please visit:
http://www.sikhcoalition.org/essay.asp

Thank you for your help.