Canton To Hold Meeting On Religious Dagger In School

A meeting tonight in Canton to clear the air over a controversy, involving a fourth-grader who brought what looked like a dagger to school.

The issue is over a Sikh religious symbol, called a Kirpan, which resembles a saber and was brought to a Canton elementary school. Sikh community leaders say it's not even a weapon - it has a blunt edge and it serves as a reminder of their spiritual fight against evil.

School officials at first allowed the Kirpan at the school, but after hearing more concerns from parents and attorneys, the district has since banned the Kirpan because it violates laws against bringing any item that resembles a weapon into schools.

Sikh leaders hope Thursday night's meeting at St. Thomas a'Becket Catholic Church in Canton, along with a meeting next week with the school district will clear any misunderstanding about their faith.