Gerbaj Singh was a high school student who was also an orthodox follower of the Sikh religion. On November 19, 2001 he dropped his kirpan in the schoolyard. The school administer did the right thing and prohibited him from bringing it to school.
My first argument is that it can be used as a weapon. The dagger is hanging on a strap around your neck and is positioned at your side. This is a spot where another student (or you) could easily grab it and use it in an unacceptable manner. Some say it would be rather hard to get off even if you did get hold of it. This is obviously a false statement as it fell off in the schoolyard. If gravity can knock it off I am sure any 12 year old would be capable to do likewise.
My second argument is that people's right to security is violated. In schools all over they have a no weapons policy and no weapons means no weapons. Schools enforce this policy for a good reason. Many times we have seen or heard of the violence that happens when weapons are brought to school. While this dagger may or may not bring this kind of chaos it sure would violate everyone's Right to Security. If I learned that someone had a dagger at school I would surely transfer schools.
My third argument is that the kirpan does not have to be an actual dagger. Why couldn't he have a little pendant around his neck that was in the shape of a dagger? I am certain I could bring a pendant of a little dagger to school.
In conclusion the kirpan is not something to take to school, neither is a gun or a sword. Any one of these violates rights and has the potential for harm.
