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
5.
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
