Sikh shock as government schools ban religious knives

[intrigued]

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/nsw-kirpan-ban-reversed-new-guidlines-10771

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Students in NSW will no longer be banned from bringing knives to schools on religious grounds, after a snap decision by the Department of Education was reversed.

The ban was made after a student stabbed another student during a fight with a miniature knife (kirpan) about three months ago.

A 14-year-old boy continues to face charges for allegedly stabbing a 16-year-old boy with a kirpan, at Glenwood High School in May.

The NSW Gurdwara Working Group, made up of representatives from Sydney Sikh temples, said the decision to reverse the ban was not a "win" for the religious group, but it was thankful for the compromise.

"A lot of work and consultation processes has been done to reach a consensus to formulate the new policy," a spokesperson for the group said.

"It is important for Sikh students to be able to exercise their faith and the new guidelines allow this with the safety of all students put first."

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell decided to reverse the ban after creating new guidelines around their use.

"The safety of students is my highest priority and our policy will always prohibit weapons at school," Ms Mitchell said.

"We have worked closely with community representatives, including from the Australian Sikh Association and the NSW Gurdwara Group, as well as Multicultural NSW and other government agencies, to develop these new guidelines."

The new guidelines mean:

 

• The kirpan being carried must be no bigger than 8.5 centimetres, with no sharp edges or points

• It must be worn under clothing

• It must be removed during sports

• Any safety concerns must be discussed with the student and their parents or carers

The Gurdwara spokesperson said the group wanted to thank the Department of Education and community "for understanding the religious importance of kirpan and helping the faith to continue to be followed in schools but not compromising the safety for the students".

Ms Mitchell said the decision to carry the kirpan, an important one for many Sikhs, would be discussed on an individual basis and any student who did not comply with the guidelines would face disciplinary action.

She thanked the Sikh community for its "constructive" consultation.

"[It] has meant we have been able to reach a solution that everyone is happy with quickly."

The new guidelines will be implemented in schools from October.

 

[GurjantGnostic]

12 hours ago, intrigued said:

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/nsw-kirpan-ban-reversed-new-guidlines-10771

 

Fateh!