New York State Police accused of violating state law after Sikh officer was barred from growing beard
Fox News
The New York State Police are being accused of violating state law after they barred a Sikh trooper from growing facial hair for his wedding, despite his religion.
Unshorn hair and beards are a sign of religious commitment for practicing Sikh men, a custom that clashes with State Police grooming rules, which require troopers to shave and cut their hair short.
Tiwana's request was denied on the basis that it posed a safety issue regarding the use of a gas mask, according to his union, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association.
Wearing a turban is also customary for Sikh men, but Tiwana has not formally asked for permission to don one on duty, in part because his requests to grow a beard were rejected, said the union's president, Charlie Murphy. He likened the denial to "persecution."