The article relies on an empirical study on the emergence of the anti-discrimination problem through the creation of the French High Autority Fighting against Discrimination and for Equality (HALDE). Discovery of the large scale of discrimination threatened the French integration model. Recourse to the courts and universalization of the fight against discrimination prevent political controversies by preserving the Republican tradition of hostility to public recognition of ethnic minorities. Juridical framing was used as a political resource by politicians to avoid a confrontational politicization in public arenas.