78 percent of the French population objects to the wearing of the Islamic headscarf (hijab) in universities lecture rooms, according to a poll published by Le Figaro.
Only 4 percent of respondents support the wearing of the hijab in lecture rooms in this poll conducted for the newspaper by a local research institute. 18 percent of respondents were undecided on the matter. Youth under 35 years of age were more tolerant towards the wearing of the garment than retired senior citizens, 86 percent of whom rejected the practice.
11 percent of French youth had no problem with the hijab, while 63 percent objected to it being worn at universities.
Wearing the hijab is permitted in higher education facilities in France, but a report by an advisory panel issued earlier this week recommended a ban on the Islamic wear, although officials denied that this was the case.
The survey, conducted on 6 August via internet, polled 952 adults representative of French society.
Edited translation from AFP
