US Nursing Home Sued for Firing Sikh Employee over Kirpan

March 7, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The Hindu

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200803071654.htm

One of the largest nursing home chains in the US has been sued for firing a Sikh employee, who refused to remove her kirpan while on duty, allegedly in violation of federal laws.

Baljit Kaur Bhandal, a dietary aide employed at a Manor Care Health Services in California, was given an ultimatum by the company to remove her kirpan - a ceremonial knife worn under her clothing - while at work or lose her job, a lawsuit filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claimed.