Student allowed to bring religious knife to class

http://www.king5.com ^ | october 23, 2014 | eric wilkinson

[lowbridge]

Like all religions, the Sikh faith is steeped in tradition. One of the most revered is the carrying of a Kirpan, a sword or dagger, at all times.

"People will even wear it in the shower. It's kind of hard for others to understand," said Jaswinder Singh, spokesman for the Gurudwara Sikh Center of Seattle.

The concept of the Kirpan is taught to children at an early age. The dagger is considered an instrument of social justice.

"For the people who are formally initiated to the Kirpan, it's very near and dear," said Singh.

But is it appropriate to bring to school?

A few weeks ago at Auburn's Gildo Rey Elementary, a Sikh family approached the school telling them their little boy would be carrying a Kirpan every day.

That didn't sit well with some.

One school volunteer named Shelby, who asked her last name not be used, said respecting religion goes too far if it compromises student safety.

"There's no way I'd go back until the knife was gone," she said.

Shelby does not volunteer at Gildo Rey.

"They can't take that thing into the airport. TSA would be all over it. Why is a school any different?" she asked.

[VeniVidiVici]

I think the Klingons do something similar

(No disrespect intended towards Sikhs)

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Old news in Canada — the SCOC overturned a ban on Sikh kirpins in schools in 2006. Yes, it’s a double standard.

BTW, contrary to what some posters above seem to think: Sikhs are not Muslim. In fact, pound for pound Sikhs are by far the world’s greatest enemy of Islamists.

BTW#2, there are nearly twice as many Sikhs in Canada as in the U.S.A. Canada has the world’s second largest Sikh population (after India).

[Politicalkiddo]

That comprises both the first and second amendment. These idiots need to shut up.

[Sherman Logan]

Sikhs have for generations used the option of having the kirpan they carry at all times be a pin or brooch in the appropriate shape. Somebody is BSing the state in this case.

That said, I really like the Sikh interpretation of the Indian idea of ahimsa or nonviolence. It’s basically that if you practice violence on the innocent, I will reintroduce a state of ahimsa by using my kirpan to bring an end to the violence.

Works for me.

[BuffaloJack]

The subject of carrying pocket knives is my number one pet peeve.

Everyone should carry a pocket knife. You should never go anywhere without one. The only reason we can’t carry one on airlines is the flying waitress union had a sh!t fit when TSA announced last year that it was going to reverse their stand on knives and allow people to carry a small one.

I went on a business trip a week ago. I needed a knife twice during the trip. First the mouse for my laptop died and when I bought batteries, I couldn’t open the damn things because of the blister packaging. Second, I came down with a cold and bought a small bottle of cough medicine what was blister wrapped. I couldn’t get the seal off. I had to go to the hotel desk and have them open the cough medicine bottle for me.

There is no common sense being applied to travel regulations or schools, just whatever makes liberal unions “feel good” and has the ability to inconvenience people.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Sikhs have for generations used the option of having the kirpan they carry at all times be a pin or brooch in the appropriate shape

In a world where drawing a police man with a gun is grounds to get you tossed from school they probably would not allow a pin either.

[bgill]

Yet, valedictorians get expelled for having butter knives in their locked cars and elementary kids get expelled for chewing corners out of pop tarts and pointing their fingers.

[baddog 219]

They freakin’ hate Muslims...

[21twelve]

There are “knives” disguised as keys, belt buckles, and I think as credit cards. I hardly ever travel with just a carry-on, so not an issue for me. But yes - having something sharp for those everyday instances can save a lot of hassle.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

How about a three foot long peaceful Scimitar.

[SaxxonWoods]

Well, OK with the knife...as long as they’ll officiate a gay marriage!

[I still care]

Well, as long as he’s not bringing a bible or cross, I guess it’s alright.

[CatherineofAragon]

Because they worship the true God, and deep down everyone knows who He is...but some choose to try and run from it.

[Patriot Babe]

Wow they consider the dagger as an instrument of social justice. Funny I view the gun the same. However, liberals have a perverted view of social justice.

[cornfedcowboy]

The principal and the cops knew this. Hell, some of them where on gun racks in the back window of the pickups. There was not one incidence of the use of a firearm that was illegal or wrong.

---

I grew up in a very small town in Iowa. I was probably 13 or so and took my shotgun to school because I was to go hunting with a buddy after classes got out. I even took the shotgun on the bus! This would have been about 77’ or 78’.

[moovova]

My Kershaw comes out if my pocket 3-4 times a day. It’s a very useful tool.

It goes in the suitcase, if it’s checked...or stays home (darn it), if the bag is carry-on.

[Starstruck]

I went to the Royal’s wild card game a couple of weeks ago. Upon arriving at the gate they asked us to take everything out of our pockets. I then realized I had a pocket knife in my pocket. A guy pushing a trash can went by and I tossed it in. Hated to see it go.

[jttpwalsh]

I agree with you 1,000%. In this age, I have come to taking an old key, sharpened the edge, put it on my keyring, and used it for such purposes. Doesn’t come close to a knife’s utility, but it gets through screening, and has come in handy. Freegards.

[nothingnew]

I got a cub scout knife when I was 8, carried it every day.

Same here. Also, brought my 22 to Junior and Senior high schools for shooting practice at the school.

Ahh...the good old days.

FMCDH(BITS)

[LambSlave]

My Remington 870 is a religious artifact; it can make even the most evil of aggressors “holey” in a hurry!