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National Interest

Michigan School District Allows Sikh Students to Wear Religious Dagger to School

Published February 01, 2011| FoxNews

A Detroit-area district says it's allowing Sikh students to wear a small, religious dagger to school, MyFoxDetroit.com reports.

The decision by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools reverses a ban put in place in December after a fourth-grader at a Canton Township elementary school was found with a dull, 3- to 5-inch kirpan.

The kirpan represents a commitment to fight evil in the Sikh tradition. The dagger is a religious symbol that baptized Sikh males are expected to carry.

The principal initially let the boy keep the kirpan, but the school board instituted a ban because of parental concerns and conflicts with the district's rules against bringing weapons to school.

The Detroit Free Press and WXYZ-TV report that under the new guidelines, kirpans meeting certain criteria will be allowed for Sikh students.

Click to read more on the religious dagger at school at MyFoxDetroit.com

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Crucifix banned by school

From: Sunday Herald Sun 

A TEENAGE Christian has been banned from wearing a treasured crucifix by her high school.

Jamie Derman, 17, said she was stunned when told she could be suspended from Sunbury Downs Secondary College if she did not remove it.
Her discreet cross was outlawed as part of the multicultural college's new rules on jewellery and dress.
But major churches were united yesterday in criticising the ban, with some saying it thwarted students' religious aspirations.
Ms Derman said she was being discriminated against and prevented from displaying her belief.
"`I am angry, confused and upset," the teenager said.
"I honestly believe I should be allowed to acknowledge (my Christianity).
"Being told to take it off hurts. It cuts really deep." ...continued here