THE UNIQUE SCHOOL

The Unique School, an organization defending secular education, subscription 5 francs per year, 11 rue Marguerin, Paris (14), published in its first issue a manifesto stating that the secular school or the unified school is not anti-religious:
Families who entrust their children to secular schools should know that, at no time, is the religious instruction of students jeopardized by secular education. Secular schools do not hinder the fulfillment of children's religious duties. A recent circular from Mr. François-Albert, Minister of Public Instruction, highlighted the sometimes excessive zeal shown by some teachers jealous of their secular authority. It instructed them to allow students "complete freedom" to pursue their religious instruction, provided, however, that this instruction did not disrupt their children's education. Priests were simply authorized to begin their classes only "after" the regular school hours.
Only the concern to ensure maximum benefit for the student dictated to a fairly liberal minister this circular, which we do not believe could fail to be approved by families.
But the detractors of the republican regime thought that by appealing to the religious sentiments of families, for which secular schools are the first to ensure respect, they could more easily undermine the Republic. We can assure French families that they would find us at their side if any government were to think of infringing on freedom of conscience, which must be exercised legally.