Glenwood stabbing: Religious knife ban for NSW schools

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says that from tomorrow all school students will be banned from bringing knives to school, even for religious reasons.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says that from tomorrow all school students will be banned from bringing knives to school, even for religious reasons.

“Weapons are not permitted at NSW public schools,” she said.

“A recent incident made it clear there are discrepancies in the act permitting the carrying of knives for religious purposes on school grounds. This is not necessary in our schools.

Today the Department of Education has issued advice to public schools banning students, staff and visitors from carrying knives for religious purposes on school grounds.

“This advice will be communicated to families and the wider school community during the course of today with the expectation it will take effect from tomorrow. This ban is in place while review and consider options for communities who carry a knife for genuine religious purposes.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“I have spoken to impacted communities about this action, and will continue to work with them as we find a solution.”

Islamic leaders hadcalled for an end to a legal loophole which has allowed Sikh children to take sharpened daggers to class despite knives being banned in schools.

It comes after a 14-year-old Glenwood High School boy allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old classmate earlier this month.

Students are banned from taking weapons including knives onto NSW school grounds but the state’s Summary Offences Act provides a little-known exception for followers of Sikhism to carry the blades.

Under their religion, Sikhs must carry a sharpened dagger known as a kirpan. The religion, which originated in northern India in the 15th century, tells adherents they must also wear a turban and a metal bracelet, not cut their hair and carry a small wooden comb with them at all times.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said students should not be allowed to take knives to schooL under any circumstances. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the blades should be banned.

“Well, I was quite taken aback to learn that students can take knives to school. Students should not be allowed to take knives to school under any circumstances and I think it doesn’t pass the common sense test,” she said.

“My strong view is that no student should be allowed to take a weapon to school full stop.”

A 16-year-old student was allegedly stabbed by a 14-year-old student at a high school in Glenwood earlier this month. Picture: 7NEWS

Parramatta Mosque chairman Neil El-Kadomi said schools should not have knives whatsoever.

“We condemn anybody carrying weapons into school … There is no need to carry knives,” he said.

“It is not about respect for religion, nobody is above the law.

“If you want to carry a knife, don’t come here. The safest country in the world is Australia.”

Australian Sikh Association Assistant Treasurer Narinder Singh said the underlying problem was not the kirpan but the unreported bullying at NSW schools.

“The incident can easily be brushed under the carpet as the kirpan being the reason for the

injury,” he said.

“The most important issue is recognising that in schools, there is unreported bullying and

harassment.

“These unreported bullying and harassment leads to depression, anxiety and

fear.”

A Sikh kirpan is a ceremonial dagger.

Chief executive of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Keysar Trad urged the Sikh community in Australia to review at what age children should carry the knives.

“There is a huge difference between a knife and a turban,” he said.

“I do understand the ceremonial nature of the little dagger … but in view of that stabbing, it might be something their own elders need to look into.

“When one of their own uses it for violence, they need to review whether or not that person can carry a knife and if there should be a minimum age requirement for it.”

Parramatta Mosque president Neil El-kadomi said schools should not have knives whatsoever. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell asked Attorney-General Mark Speakman to urgently review the legislation.

Glenwood High principal Sonja Anderson wrote to parents last Friday informing them students who carried a knife were allowed to do so.

“In addition to having a knife for food preparation, such as hospitality students, the possession of a knife for genuine religious reasons is specified as a reasonable excuse under the Act,” she said.

“We are currently working with the Department and community representatives to discuss how best to enable students to meet aspects of their religious faith and, at the same time, ensure our school remains a safe place for students and staff.”

The 14-year-old was charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, while the older boy is recovering at home with injuries to his stomach.

Originally published as Glenwood stabbing: Religious knife ban for NSW schools