Quebec's French Language Exemptions Out of Reach for Neurodivergent Students

Quebec's Charter of the French language allows children with serious learning issues to receive a waiver to be educated in English, but education specialists warn the process is overly difficult and rejection rates are high, according to CBC News.

Henry Gendreau, an 18-year-old from Gatineau, Que., with autism, was removed from his animation studies at a Quebec college after one semester. Gendreau had been accepted into the CEGEP program on the condition that he obtain a French-language exemption from his high school, which he never graduated from due to failing French classes. The province's Education Ministry denied the request.

Daniel Gendreau, Henry's father, described the seven-month application process as "obscure and frustrating," noting that the ministry communicates only with the school rather than parents. Through access to information requests, Daniel Gendreau learned the ministry attributed Henry's struggle with French to missed class days—absences occurring because Henry was receiving tutoring in other subjects—rather than his learning disability. Daniel Gendreau also noted that the family moved six times in 14 years as a military family, including a period in the United States.

Marie-Eve Lefebvre, a professor at the Université du Québec à Rimouski who specializes in autistic students in higher education, says the burden of proof to demonstrate an inability to learn French is too high. Lefebvre notes that the process requires mobilizing a team of doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, and parents, which can discourage students with disabilities from applying. Furthermore, Daniel Gendreau stated there is no appeal process for the ministry's decision.