New York State Police are reviewing their ban on facial hair after a Sikh trooper was sidelined for growing a religious beard, according to Spectrum News 1.
Trooper Charanjot Singh Tiwana was put on desk duty, prompting lawmakers and advocates to accuse the agency of violating anti-discrimination laws. State officials cite gas mask safety rules, but critics say other countries accommodate bearded officers without issue.
Policy changes could arrive by year’s end as pressure mounts from the Sikh Coalition and state lawmakers.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].