New York OK's Sikh turbans
for train drivers
31-May-12
 NEW
YORK — New York's mass transit system will allow Sikh and Muslim employees to
wear religious headgear after settlement Wednesday of a federal lawsuit
alleging discrimination against workers from those faiths.
The Sikh Coalition announced victory in the
legal battle against the Metropolitan Transport Authority, saying "Sikh and
Muslim workers may now wear their religious headdress freely --- as they were
allowed to do so before 9/11 --- without fear of segregation or discipline."
The MTA allegedly discriminated against Sikhs and Muslims in the aftermath of
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, forcing those who wore their
religious headgear to remain out of public view or to wear an MTA corporate
logo.
Under the settlement, which finds no fault or liability, the only requirement
now will be for headgear to be in the MTA's standard blue color.
"I am relieved that the policy of branding or segregating Sikh or Muslim
workers is coming to an end," said plaintiff Sat Hari Singh, also known as
Kevin Harrington, a Sikh train operator.
"The MTA honored me for driving my train in reverse away from the towers on
9/11 and leading passengers to safety. They called me a 'hero of 9/11.' I
didn't have a corporate logo on my turban on 9/11. This policy made no sense.
It was driven by fear. I'm glad it has come to an end."
In a statement, the MTA said its rules had been "reasonable" and "never
animated by religious or ethnic bias." |
