“The Sikh Coalition has helped me realize my career dream while ensuring that I can stay true to myself and my faith,” said A1C Singh. “Their legal assistance means that I won’t face discrimination as I step up to serve, and I’m proud to join other trailblazing Sikhs with accommodations in the U.S. Air Force as we demonstrate that we can serve honorably while maintaining our articles of faith.”
Since 2009, the Sikh Coalition has built and led a multiyear campaign to end employment discrimination in the U.S. military. These efforts secured a
landmark 2017 policy change in the U.S. Army that dramatically reduced the barriers for Sikhs seeking religious accommodations--and paved a path for more than 60 Sikh U.S. service members,
including at least 20 previous Sikh Coalition clients, to serve with distinction. In 2020, the USAF
enacted a similar policy change, clearing the way for even more Sikhs to serve. We recognize the important work of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Sikh American Veterans Alliance to secure recent historic USAF accommodations, including A1C Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa and A1C Sunjit Singh Rathour, in 2019.
Further work towards policies that allow articles of faith by our nation’s largest employer, the U.S. Department of Defense, will be critical to ending discrimination in workplaces across the country. If you have more questions about the Sikh Coalition’s work on this issue, you can read our
community FAQ; if you or someone you know needs legal support related to employment discrimination, please
reach out to our team.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.