BUSAD 120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Marguerite Bourgeoys, Reasonable Accommodation, Clothing
Document Summary
Parties involved: school commission and a boy and his family. Facts: a 12 year old boy goes to school and a knife falls from his clothing. Boy was told he cannot being a knife to school. The boy said this is a kirpan (religious symbol that resembles a dagger), an integral part of his religious heritage. School says the knife could be used as a dangerous weapon and they have a duty to ensure that the school is a safe place. Family claims that this is a religious artefact and freedom of religion is protected under section 3 of the qc charter. School board refused to allow the kirpan (because it is a knife: school board proposes that the boy can wear a ceremonial small kirpan around his neck. The wearing of a kirpan is a recognized religious practice, although not every sikh man does so. The exercise of fundamental freedoms does not enjoy absolute protection.
