Written by Don Byrd
The Sikh community continues to make strides forward in the desire to serve. The U.S. military has offered uniform accommodations in the past. The Washington Post reports that the D.C. Police force is adjusting its uniform policy as well to allow Sikh to be members of the force.
Lanier said law enforcement works better when members of the public see themselves mirrored in their local police department, adding: “To me this is a common-sense decision. It is important that we have representation from all of our communities across Washington, D.C.”
The policy change, which requires that turbans match police uniforms and that beards be neatly tied back, also allows Sikhs to carry other “articles of faith” such as steel bracelets around their wrists and small decorative swords under their clothes.
I’m continually impressed with the Sikh community’s determination to serve and success in winning accommodations to allow just that. Kudos all around. It’s good for the police force, and good for the cause of religious liberty.
