Diversity and anti-discrimination policies in Rennes

1. Diversity and anti-discrimination
policies in Rennes

2. French context

The notion of diversity is the new consensual
paradigm toward migration issues

If diversity can be accepted, the « right to difference »
is perceived as a threat to republican principles
(french universalism)

In the public sphere and in the political debate, the
notion of diversity is often confused with the idea of
difference : the policies developes with the intent of
« promoting diversity » are directed to minorities only
→ Only a « universal » conception of diversity can
build an equality policy

3. What we do in Rennes

The « universal » conception of diversity is the
paradigm on which our equality and anti-
discrimination policies are built : we deal with
individuals and not with groups (but groups'
demands can be received, for instance to allow
them living their religion in the city)

We try to promote the idea of a plural city, whose
identity is composed by natives and migrants and
their descendants

4. Local experiences

Convergences Culturelles

Creation of a « Charter » enabling relevant projects to
get a « label » : recognition of some initiatives which
represent the civic engagement against xenophobia
and give a voice to citizens' expression, including
migrants'

Rennes' diversity committee : developing public
debate on anti-discrimination, migrants' access rights
and citizens' knowledge of migration history in Rennes

For political leaders : opportunities to communicate
with medias and transmit a message

6. French context of anti-discrmination
policy
- 90’s : Development of French model of
integration which constitutes a barrier to
recognize ethnical discriminations
- 1998 : For the first time, French politicians
recognize the reality of discrimination

7. What we do in Rennes ?
- 2008 : anti-discrimination program. Principle :
Equality of treatment.
- 3 axes :
- The city as an employer ;
- To develop the anti-discrimination in the whole local
territory ;
- To develop acces rights for victims of discrimination