Sikh Students Can Bring Religious Knife to School

Like all religions, the Sikh faith is steeped in tradition. One of the most revered is the carrying of a Kirpan, a sword or dagger, at all times.

"People will even wear it in the shower. It's kind of hard for others to understand," said Jaswinder Singh, spokesman for the Gurudwara Sikh Center of Seattle.

The concept of the Kirpan is taught to children at an early age. The dagger is considered an instrument of social justice.

"For the people who are formally initiated to the Kirpan, it's very near and dear," said Singh.

But is it appropriate to bring to school?

A few weeks ago at Auburn's Gildo Rey Elementary, a Sikh family approached the school telling them their little boy would be carrying a Kirpan every day.

That didn't sit well with some.