“I am excited to begin my career of service in Precinct 1,” said Deputy Singh. “As a long-time Houston area resident, I’m eager to pursue my professional passion and help my community, all while staying true to my religious beliefs. I remain grateful to Constable Rosen for his understanding of the importance of my religious articles of faith.”
Additionally, we are proud to share that on the first of the year, out in Irvine, CA, the Irvine Police Department
announced a policy development that will allow observant Sikhs to serve in uniform with their articles of faith. Sikh Coalition staff and volunteers conducted Sikh Awareness Presentations for more than 120 employees of the same department last November.
“As law enforcement agencies proactively change uniform policies that prohibit religious articles of faith, observant Sikhs will no longer face the choice between pursuing their career and sacrificing their religion,” said Sikh Coalition Policy and Advocacy Manager Nikki Singh. “We applaud the Irvine Police Department's commitment to fair and equal employment opportunities and hope that other law enforcement agencies will follow their lead.”
The nation’s attention was drawn to the service of Sikh Americans last year with the death of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, but Sikhs have long served honorably with their articles of faith wherever inclusive policies have allowed them to do so. The Sikh Coalition intends to continue advocating for updated uniform and grooming policies, working with clients to secure accommodations, and engaging law enforcement in general to create a safer future for Sikh Americans across the country.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
