I believe they have to follow the protocol for all "weapons" found. If she had realized it was a big deal at the time, she could have taken it to the teacher, explained to him what happened, and maybe they would have handled it differently. Since another student reported her (apparently not a friend of any kind) they had to follow the protocol. If he went home and told his parents that Ella had a knife and the school didn't do anything the next thing you know it's all over FB and her name is dragged through the mud and the incident is exaggerated and other parents get involved and ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. You know?

In retrospect, I'm very glad it turned out the way it did although the attorney cost me a few grand.

But if a child was stabbed in school that you know of don't you think that made what happened to Ella sensible?

I'm not sure they designate any special rules for Sikh children in the states.