The second theoretical point relates to the role of public schools in terms of

national identity construction or, to put it in Balibar's words (2004:21-22), "to

the relationship of neutrality emanating from the state and from the school."

Some people argue that secularization means that public schools are neutral

towards various expressions of religious beliefs and others that religious beliefs

should not be tolerated inside school institutions. According to Balibar, they are

both right. School is a space of transition between the public and the private

spheres, but it is located in the public sphere. It thus needs to negotiate this contradiction.