NYC Comptroller Calls on NYPD to Allow Beards

Fishel Litzman, a Hasidic Jew, was barred from entering the police force because he refused to shave his beard. He has filed a civil-rights lawsuit against the police department.

City Comptroller John C. Liu today called on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to reform NYPD policy to allow Orthodox Jewish and Sikh officers to serve without having to forsake their beards (and/or turbans).

In a letter, Comptroller Liu commended the Mayor for his words of comfort and support to the City’s Sikh community in the wake of the Wisconsin shootings, saying that now is the time for New York City to make a meaningful change of inclusion to Sikh members of the NYPD.

“The attack in Wisconsin reminds us that intolerance still rears its ugly head today. Sikhs have felt alienation and distress over the past decade since September 11. In the wake of the Wisconsin killings, which have shocked the national conscience, our City can enact meaningful inclusion of this community by changing NYPD rules to allow Sikhs to serve without having to forsake their turbans and beards,” Comptroller Liu wrote.

Comptroller Liu noted that the Washington D.C., Metro Police Department has amended its rules to allow Sikh officers to wear religious garb and pointed to a recent City Council law that requires workplaces to foster supportive environments for religious practices.

Comptroller Liu said that by reforming the NYPD policy, individuals of other faith groups who wear head coverings and grow beards, as required by their religion, would also benefit.

“We must eliminate all religious barriers to joining the NYPD. Religious men from all faiths, whether they are Sikhs or Orthodox Jews, should be able to serve the people of New York City.”

“Shouldn’t the NYPD, providing security in one of the most diverse cities in the world, proudly display its own diversity?” he said.

Jasminder Kaur, project manager of United Sikhs, said:

“It’s imperative for people to know that Sikhs are woven into the fabric of American society and are not the ‘other.’ One way to promote that is through increasing participation of Sikhs with turbans and beards in government jobs. We appreciate Comptroller Liu for taking the initiative to bring this up with the NYPD and assuring us of his continuous support.”

Rabbi David Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America, said:

“As wonderful a job as the NYPD does in carrying out its awesome responsibilities, New York’s Finest would be finer still if its membership reflected the full diversity of the beautiful mosaic that is New York City. Policies that have the effect of excluding members of certain faith communities because of their religious garb or grooming should be re-evaluated. I commend Comptroller Liu for raising this important issue.”