![\"Sikh](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2023-07\/6835sp0g_us-police-generic_625x300_27_July_23.jpg\"\/ "\\"Sikh")
<\/div>\nCharanjot Tiwana had sought to grow his beard half an inch for his wedding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
New York: <\/b><\/p>\n
The New York State Police has been accused of barring one of its personnel, a Sikh, to grow a beard despite state law requiring employers to allow workers to follow religious grooming obligations, reported Associated Press.<\/p>\n
Charanjot Tiwana, a State Trooper, had sought to grow his beard half an inch for his wedding in 2022, but was denied due to safety reasons regarding the use of a gas mask, according to New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association.<\/p>\n
Sikh men are required to wear a turban and not trim their hair or beard as part of their religious commitment, a custom that clashes with the state police grooming rules of keeping short hair and a shaved look.<\/p>\n
Mr Tiwana, a state trooper for six years, had not formally sought permission to wear a turban while on duty in view of the refusal to grow a beard, said the union’s president Charlie Murphy.<\/p>\n
“All New Yorkers, including law enforcement officers, must be free from employer oppression when practicing their religion,” AP quoted him as saying.<\/p>\n
A NYSP spokesperson has declined to comment on the details though the cops confirmed Mr Tiwana’s request.<\/p>\n
Deanna Cohen, police spokesperson, said the department values diversity and inclusion among its ranks and engages in reasonable accommodation process. According to her, NYSP is also working on a turban policy.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement agencies in the US have in recent years eased grooming rules implemented in the early 20th century partly to bring a military-like look to the officers, or faced court actions.<\/p>\n
In 2022, a federal court ruled that the Marine Corps cannot deny entry to Sikh recruits sporting a beard and a turban.<\/p>\n
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