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In October 2002, Senegal announced that it intended to reform the state educational program by introducing religious instruction classes and classes in native languages as well as including Qur’anic schools in the official educational system. These measures were intended to raise the country’s school enrollment rate in compliance with the recommendation of donors. A contemporary liberal philosophy, which respects user preferences, inevitably led to advocating religious instruction in schools. These reforms were not justified therefore in the name of a return to traditional values, but as a progressive action on the road to a modern state. They also meant a redefinition of state secular policy. This required only that the principal religions be treated equally with none favored. However, the facts show that it is very difficult for the state to hold to this neutrality, which is becoming mixed in with Mouridism, a brotherhood with increasing influence in Senegal.