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