MODESTO, CA: Livingston Union School District trustees in reconsidering the ban on ceremonial daggers worn in the clothing of Sikh students should accept at face value the explanation that the small knives are integral to their religion.
Sikh children are given the knives in a lengthy baptism ceremony explained in detail in last week’s paper by reporter Garth Staple.
Their use is symbolic reminding the wearer of a personal commitment to defend the weak and innocent. The kirpan is one of “five K’s” in Sikh religious practice the others being uncut hair and bear ceremonial comb to hold the hair under the traditional turban special cotton underwear to remind the we are of a chastity vow and a steel bracelet signifying a vow to tell the truth.
Usually the knife is worn inside the clothing in a sheath with point dulled. It is not removed except to bathe since it is hidden no one knows about it most of the time
The issue erupted in tiny Livingston where Sikh families have settled but could just as easily be on the agendas of school districts in other parts of the valley including Modesto It has reached the point of contention with some children staying away from school if not allowed to exercise their religious vows which including wearing the ceremonial knife.
Of some 100 Sikh children in the Livingston schools only 10 have been baptized and are qualified to wear the kirpan.
Until the Religious aspect is explained a ban may seem reasonable as part of a policy to keep dangerous weapons out of school.
But the kirpan are not used as weapons apparently and Sikh people say there has never been an incident of violence involving their children in school in the United States or Canada the number of students being in the tens of thousands.
The Sikh people have an excellent record in their new country as industrious law-abiding people ‘They are known for preserving customs from their home region on the other side of the globe in northwest India. They are one of the many groups of people from other countries who contribute to the valley’s welcome diversity. Several school districts in the Bay Area and other parts of California have accommodated the Sikhs by allowing kirpan with blunted blades when worn underneath clothing. Perhaps it would be good also to have the children register so school authorities are aware they wear the Knives.
Otherwise and in the absence of any incidents of improper use Sikh children should be allowed the freedom to practice their religion as their people always have.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 25, 1994
