When zero tolerance meets diversity
The Plymouth-Canton school district (near Detroit) has reached a momentous decision. They have decided that the First Amendment requires them to allow Sikh students to carry their ceremonial dagger, called a Kirpan, to school.
But in some schools, a paring knife for your apple gets you expelled.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:18 am
Thats odd… there are plenty of court cases that have decided that students have no right to free speech at school, and that if it is viewed as disruptive to the learning environment then the school can stop it.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:47 am
So what religion out there has a ceremonial firearm?
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:53 am
I’ve seen people of a certain Religion that I won’t name fire all sorts of firearms into the air as part of a ceremony. Specifically the Holy AK-47.
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:53 am
Religion in schools whatever shall we do… I think we need to start a religion of the holy shootist. That way all members must carry a weapon 24-7 in order to please the gods….
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:53 am
The Sikh daggers or Kirpans are symbolic of their dedication to prevent violence against others and the power of truth to cut through untruth.
Messing with a Sikh over their required ceremonial dagger, frequently a small object attached to a comb kept in their hair, or a pendant worn around their neck, would be like messing with a Ghurka about their kukri.
Sikhs are way cool. I recall the first ones I ever saw, at the airport in Calcutta, the military guards at the Customs stations. They were utterly polite, absolutely intimidating, armed with SMLE rifles, had sheathed bayonets on their belts, and had marvelously waxed mustaches. Ceremonialthey were, yes, but quite obviously practical should the need arise.
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:03 pm
So what religion out there has a ceremonial firearm?
There’s always the Church of John Moses Browning (with the obvious “choice” in sidearm).
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Now let’s see how they handle a Ghurka packing his kukri to a school.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Now only recognized groups as opposed to individuals get their “free speach” rights in school, WTF? Seems like a double standard to me.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
GREAT!!!
So now I’ll join the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBAS (A Catholic organization.) They wear swords during ceremonies. So then I can wear a sword to work or school, right?
And I’m a Hattori Hanzo fan! Imagine that!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I’m reading the w’pedia entry on the Kirpan, and it says in India, there’s an “Article 25” of the Constitution that legitimates the carry.
Wow, maybe we need to get an Amendment like that!
😉
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:41 pm
IIRC, the Kirpans aren’t actually sharp. They’re merely symbolic.
Not that it matters, just throwing that out there.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:42 pm
A brick is not sharp either but it can be very effective.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Anyone want to convert to Shinto, the Religion of the Samurai? It be nice to see them trying to tell a Ronin’s kid he can’t bring his Tanto to school, but the kid with a Turban can bring his blade.
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:31 pm
WE HAVE LOST OUR I L R INTEL. LOGIC REAILTY.. THE USA IS GOING DOWN WITH THIS KIND OF THINKING… WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!! JIM POLENSKE PHOENIX ARIZ. TAKE THE KIDS PENCEL AS IT COULD KILL, NO EDUCATION WILL OCCURE AT THAT POINT AND WE ARE THERE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:42 am
When zero tolerance and diversity meet, stupidity wins.