The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has altered its policy to allow Sikh students to wear their kirpans, NBC News reports.
Kirpans, according to News 18, are curved, single-edged daggers or holy knives. They are worn close to the body and sheathed at all times.
The decision comes after a video surfaced two months ago showing a student wearing a kirpan being handcuffed, NBC News reports. Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber and Chief Diversity Officer Brandon L. Wolfe released a statement saying they were working with the police department to implement the policy.
“The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, with support from Institutional Integrity, also conducted additional awareness training this week with our police department and will continue its work to expand our cultural education and training opportunities for all of campus,” the statement reads.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc. Please take advantage of a $30,000 matching grant challenge. An anonymous donor has offered to match dollar for dollar every tax-deductible donation made to Asian American Media Inc from November 1, 2023 until the end of the year. The money will be used to fund the addition of a new reporter and to produce content for limited English-speaking Asian immigrants. We are supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
