Diversity and anti-discrimination policies in Rennes

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

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

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

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

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