Categories: World

No Beard Growing For Wedding Permitted For Sikh Cop In New York

The New York State Police have been accused of forbidding one of their employees, a Sikh, from growing a beard, despite a state law mandating employers to enable employees to follow religious grooming duties.

According to the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, Charanjot Tiwana, a State Trooper, wished to grow his beard half an inch for his wedding but was prohibited due to safety concerns over the wearing of a gas mask.

As part of their religious devotion, Sikh males are supposed to wear a turban and not trim their hair or beard, a practice that contradicts state police grooming guidelines that require short hair and a shaved appearance.

According to the union’s president, Charlie Murphy, Mr. Tiwana, a state trooper for six years, had not formally requested permission to wear a turban while on duty due to his refusal to grow a beard.

“All New Yorkers, including law enforcement officers, must be free from employer oppression when practicing their religion”, he declared.

Although the cops confirmed Mr. Tiwana’s request, an NYSP representative declined to comment on the specifics.

Police spokesman Deanna Cohen stated that the department encourages diversity and inclusion within its ranks and uses the procedure of reasonable accommodations. According to her, the NYSP is also developing a turban policy.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies in the United States have relaxed grooming restrictions put in place in the early twentieth century, mainly to give police a military appearance, or faced legal action.

A federal court ruled in 2022 that the Marine Corps could not refuse admittance to Sikh recruits with beards and turbans.

Also read: Amid China tensions, United States Announces $345 Million In Military Aid To Taiwan

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

Supreme Court Allows Yasin Malik To Cross-Examine Witnesses Via Video From Tihar Jail

The SC allowed Yasin Malik to cross-examine prosecution witnesses via video conferencing from Tihar jail,…

5 mins ago

Delhi HC Orders Customs To Stop Seizing Personal Jewellery Of Air Passengers

The Delhi HC has directed Customs Department officials not to confiscate old or personal jewellery…

10 mins ago

PM Modi Unveils 21-Point Action Plan To Boost BIMSTEC Cooperation At Bangkok Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a 21-point action plan at the BIMSTEC Summit…

2 hours ago

Buddhism In India’s Foreign Policy: PM Modi’s Vision For Global Harmony

PM Modi has been at the forefront of strengthening India’s ties with Buddhist nations, putting…

2 hours ago

6 Surprising Benefits Of Turmeric Milk For Your Health

Turmeric milk, often referred to as 'golden milk', has been a staple in traditional medicine.…

2 hours ago

PM Narendra Modi Meets Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus During BIMSTEC Summit In Bangkok

PM Narendra Modi met Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok, their first meeting since…

3 hours ago