Abstract

The paper approaches the question whether teachers should be allowed to wear headscarves by analysing the concept of liberal neutrality. After showing problems with current conceptions of neutrality, it suggests understanding neutrality as a two-fold concept: a) there are matters the state has no business getting involved in if it wants to respect its citizens as free (respect element), b) citizens ought to be treated as equals despite their different world views (fairness element). This two-fold understanding explains why there are neutrality based reasons for and against allowing teachers to wear headscarves in school. The author argues that in view of the ideals of freedom, equality and respect underlying liberal neutrality the reasons for allowing headscarves prevail.