New York State Police under fire over felony charges

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A New York State Trooper claims the department is violating his religious freedoms.

New York State Police reportedly banned a Buffalo-based five-year veteran soldier from growing facial hair or wearing a turban, despite being a practicing Sikh.

I’m just shocked that this law has been in effect since 2019 and that there are still incidents like this where they don’t even pretend to make a religious accommodation, said Queens Assemblyman David Weprin. They do not claim to respect the law!

What you need to know Queen’s Assembly Member David Weprin co-sponsored a religious dress bill that was passed in 2019 to protect workers who wanted to grow facial hair or wear turbans for religious reasons.

On the steps of the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, home to one of the largest Sikh communities in the state, Weprin expressed frustration, disappointment and disgust after hearing complaints.

I am appalled as the primary sponsor of the act, Weprin said, and we need immediate action from the Governor and the Acting Superintendent of State Police.

In 2019, Weprin was a co-sponsor of a religious vestments bill that was signed into law.

Accordingly, employers were prohibited from discriminating against any worker wearing religious clothing and facial hair for religious reasons.

Gurbhej Singh Variach is a board member of the Sikh Cultural Society.

He says the state trooper at the center of this complaint met with him and other officials last week in Richmond Hill.

He would tell us everything that had happened, Variach said. He was totally frustrated. It was unacceptable! The police are supposed to understand the law.

In a statement to NY1, a New York State Police spokesperson said, We value diversity, equity and inclusion within our ranks.

We recently updated our facial hair guidelines which address both requesting exemption from our clean shave policy and the safety of our members, which is paramount.

In the meantime, officials say the uniform and equipment policy committee is working on a policy for the design and official distribution of turbans.

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