"Religious Discrimination" In US: Indian Embassy Raises Concerns As Sikh Trooper In New York Denied Growing Beard

The Indian Embassy in Washington has brought attention to the case of a Sikh New York State Trooper who was denied permission to grow a beard. Lawmakers have expressed concern over the incident, denouncing it as "religious discrimination."

Charanjot Tiwana, a New York State trooper, requested permission to grow a beard for his wedding in March of the previous year. Unfortunately, his request was turned down due to concerns that wearing a gas mask could be compromised by having a beard.

Indian officials engaged with the office of the New York State Governor to address the matter. India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, also raised the issue with senior levels of the Biden administration.

The New York State Police and the Governor's office are actively working on resolving the situation, according to officials.

Lawmaker David Weprin, representing Queens in the New York State Assembly, referred to the denial of Tiwana's beard request as "a concerning incident of religious discrimination" within the New York State Police.

He reminded that he sponsored the Religious Garb Law, enacted in 2019, to ensure individuals wouldn't need to choose between practicing their faith and fulfilling their job responsibilities.

Sgt. Gurvinder Singh, President of the Sikh Officers Association, stressed the importance of allowing officers to serve while upholding their religion and faith. He emphasized that New York State, being the most diverse in the US, should ensure that officers are not prevented from serving due to their religious beliefs.

A spokesperson from the New York State Police stated, "We have recently updated our guidelines with respect to facial hair… The New York State Police Uniform and Equipment Committee is currently working on a policy for the design and issuance of turbans."

Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (the apex Sikh religious body), wrote to Ambassador Sandhu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressing strong objections to the discriminatory policy enforced by the NY State Police.

Dhami called for the protection of Sikh community rights and a cessation of the practice of forcing Sikh troopers to cut their hair.

In 2016, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the largest police force in the country, declared that Sikh officers could wear beards and turbans while in uniform.