Freedom of Religion

Respecting freedom of Religion, California school allowed Kirpans for Sikh students

California (November 05, 2012): According to reports a Southern California school district has allowed Sikh students to wear the Kirpan in school. It is learnt that at least three high school students in the Jurupa Unified School District will be allowed to wear the approximately 2-inch Kirpan at school after ensuring certain safety measures.

Shooting of Elk Groove Sikhs threatens Freedom of Religion: Canadian Sikh Coalition

Surry (March 8, 2011): Two elderly members of the California Sikh community were shot on Friday while walking in a Sacramento suburb. Surinder Singh, 65 and Gurmej Singh Atwal, 78, were on a late afternoon stroll in Elk Grove when an unknown suspect in a pickup truck opened fire on them. Police believe they were most likely targeted after being mistaken for Muslims because they were wearing dastaar. Mr. Singh died of his injuries and Mr. Atwal remains in critical condition.