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Prometric
and UNITED SIKHS Craft Kirpan Religious Accommodation Policy
Policy will be implemented in 160 countries and
10,000 testing centers worldwide
Highlights:
UNITED SIKHS secures historic and favorable Kirpan accommodation policy
 If
Sikhs, anywhere in the world, are precluded from entering Prometric centers with
their Kirpans, they should contact
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org or
law-global@unitedsikhs.org
UNITED SIKHS has secured Kirpan accommodations in:
U.S. Universities, Indian Airports, Domestic and International Courts, and now
Testing Centers worldwide.
New York, NY: Prometric is a trusted provider of technology-enabled testing and
assessment. Its market-leading test development and delivery solutions allow the
market to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately
measure program results and data.
As a company serving a diverse, global marketplace, Prometric is committed to
providing all candidates with accommodations for medical conditions,
disabilities and religious practices. It recently collaborated with UNITED SIKHS
to devise a comprehensive religious accommodation policy that addressed enhanced
security (metal detectors) at certain Prometric facilities and the right of
Sikhs to carry their articles of faith, specifically, the Kirpan. The Kirpan is
a short religious sword worn by Sikhs (the accommodation policy allows for
Kirpans that do not exceed seven inches in total length, including its sheath,
and that must be worn at all times tightly secured to the body by a gatra (cloth
strap used to secure a Sikh's Kirpan)).
In seeking to balance the legitimate security concerns with the sincerely held
religious beliefs of Sikhs, Prometric, with the assistance of UNITED SIKHS,
crafted a religious accommodation policy that balanced these equally important
interests and revealed Prometric’s commitment to fostering an environment that
safeguards religious diversity.
“We are encouraged by our collaboration with UNITED SIKHS and welcome further
dialogue,” stated Jana Von Bramer, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing,
Prometric. “We strive to create a welcoming testing environment—one that is
accessible to any segment of the community that can benefit from an inclusive
accommodations policy such as ours.”
Issued By:
Hansdeep Singh
UNITED SIKHS
Senior Staff Attorney |
