sikhs in nypd federal lawsuit, press conferenceduring this significant campaign, the sikh coalition...

PO Box 7132, New York, NY 10150-7132 www.sikhcoalition.org

Sikhs in NYPD Federal Lawsuit, Press Conference

1. Case Overview 2. Press Release

3. Statements

a. Statement by Prabhjot Singh, Director of Operations, the Sikh Coalition b. Statement by Amric Singh, former officer of the NYPD c. Statement by Kashmira Singh, Chairperson of the Metropolitan Police Sikh

Association, London, United Kingdom d. Statement by Arvinder Singh, Senior Constable, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada e. Statement by Pardeep Singh, Auxiliary Police Officer, Peel Regional Police, Ontario,

Canada

4. Case-Specific Materials a. First Communication from Sikh Coalition a year ago to City of New York b. Petition to “Allow Turbaned Sikhs” to Mayor Bloomberg and NYPD

i. Signature Number ii. Petition

c. Letter from New York City Police Department Legal Bureau to Sikh Coalition Legal Counsel

d. Newsday Articles i. June 10, 2002 ii. June 17, 2002

e. Richmond Hill Times i. June 13, 2002

f. BBC Article on London Metropolitan Police search for ethnically diverse police officers, including Sikhs

5. Supporting Materials

a. Photos of Sikh Police Officers worldwide i. Amric’s Photo ii. Picture with the Queen iii. Toronto Police Force Photos

b. Letter from LA Police Chief allowing Sikhs into the LA Police Force c. RCMP Uniform Guidelines

Table of Contents



Amric Singh, like many other Sikhs and fellow Americans wants to earn an honest living as well as be of service to the local community around him. He thought he would have that opportunity when he joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD). After successfully passing all required physical and psychological exams and a background check, Amric Singh participated in a police induction ceremony and began training. After two weeks, however, Amric was fired for wearing his turban. Despite explaining to police officials that wearing a turban was required by his religious faith, the NYPD refused to allow him to wear his turban and be a police officer. As a result, on February 28, 2002, the Sikh Coalition launched a campaign with Amric Singh to persuade the NYPD to allow Sikhs to serve as officers in the NYPD. The Sikh Coalition’s written communication to Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly seeking to open a dialogue resulted in no response. Both, the Mayor’s office and the Police Commissioner’s office lacked the professional courtesy to return phone messages left by the Sikh Coalition. Subsequently, the Sikh Coalition launched an online petition to the Mayor and the New York City Police Department requesting that Sikhs be allowed in the NYPD. The petition was signed by 8,464 individuals but was completely ignored by the City of New York. During this significant campaign, the Sikh Coalition was able to persuade the Los Angeles County Police Department to welcome and recruit Sikhs with their turbans and beards. After hearing about Amric Singh's case, the Washington, DC police chief welcomed Sikhs into the Washington, DC police force as well. Sikhs proudly serve in police forces in other countries across the globe. What makes New York so different? After exhausting all avenues to seek resolution amicably, the City of New York has forced the Sikh Coalition to take this matter to court. The purpose of the press briefing is to announce the filing of a federal civil rights lawsuit against Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and the New York City Police Department in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Amric Singh has stated on numerous occasions, “I was fired because I refused to give up my right as an American to practice my religion.” Today, with the assistance of the Sikh Coalition and its member organizations, Amric has filed a lawsuit to reclaim his rights as an American and as a Sikh under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws of our country. It is our hope that one day Sikhs-Americans would be able to proudly serve as police officers in the New York, the most diverse metropolis of this world.

Case Overview



Embargoed for release until March 4, 2003, 1:00 P.M. EST Contact: Ajeet Kaur 917-612-4751 [email protected] Prabhjot Singh 917-304-4144 [email protected] For more information, including official statements go to: http://www.sikhcoalition.org/amricsingh.asp

SIKHS CHALLENGE NYPD’S “NO TURBAN” POLICY IN FEDERAL COURT

Press Conference being held at 11 AM at the Interfaith Center of New York New York, New York March 4, 2003: The Sikh Coalition and Amric Singh Rathour filed a federal lawsuit challenging the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) “no turban” policy. Amric Singh was terminated by the NYPD in August 2001 for refusing orders to remove his turban and trim his beard, both required by his religion. . A contingent of Sikh police officers from Canada and Great Britain joined Amric Singh at the press conference. The Sikh officers stressed that the turban did not impede their ability to perform their duties. Sikhs have served as police officers in Great Britain and Canada for decades. Amric Singh was also joined today by religious leaders from the Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faiths. The leaders stated their concern that Amric Singh was unfairly being discriminated against on the basis of his religion. The Complaint filed in court today details the manner in which Amric Singh was repeatedly pressured to remove his turban. Among other things, Amric Singh was told that he should “make a change” so that his turban and beard “come off.” “I felt I was being punished because I am a Sikh,” said Amric Singh. “Sikhs serve as police officers all over the world. Why can’t they serve as officers in New York City.” In April, the Los Angeles County Police Department specifically invited Sikhs to join their department stating, “the articles of your faith, including the turban and beard, will not be an obstacle to serving in the Department....” Sikhs similarly were invited last spring to serve as police officers in Washington D.C. last spring. For the past year the Sikh Coalition has been attempting to persuade the NYPD to reconsider its “no turbans” policy without filing a lawsuit. In March 2002, the Sikh Coalition present the Mayor’s



office with a petition of over 6,000 signatures urging that the “no turban” policy be changed. Repeated attempts to arranged meetings with city officials, however, have been unsuccessful. “We had no choice but to file this lawsuit,” said Harpreet Singh, Director of Community Relations for the Sikh Coalition. “For over a year we have attempted to open a dialogue with the Commissioner Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg on this issue. Despite clear support for our concerns by thousands of New Yorkers, no one in the administration will talk to us.” Ravinder Singh Bhalla, counsel retained by the Sikh Coalition to represent Amric Singh stated, "Amric's accommodation request would not impose any undue hardship upon the NYPD. The NYPD's unwillingness to grant this request is disturbingly insensitive and as a legal matter, it violates his civil rights."

About the Sikh Coalition Started as an effort to educate the greater North American community on Sikhs and Sikhism, the coalition seeks to safeguard the rights of all citizens as well as to promote the Sikh identity and communicates the collective interests of Sikhs to the community at large. The coalition serves as a resource for all organizations and individuals as well as a point of contact to Sikh people. On the Web: http://www.sikhcoalition.org

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Statements to Members of the Press

The Interfaith Center of New York

March 4, 2003



STATEMENT OF AMRIC SINGH RATHOUR

INTERFAITH CENTER OF NEW YORK NEW YORK CITY

March 4, 2003

On August 27, 2001, I was wrongfully terminated from my employment as an Officer of the New York City Police Department. I was fired because I refused to give up my right as an American to practice my religion – Sikhism.

When I joined the NYPD, they told me that I was qualified to serve, but that would not be

allowed to serve until I removed my turban and trimmed by beard. I told the NYPD that removing my turban or cutting my hair would violate my beliefs as a Sikh. But still, they insisted that I remove my turban and trim my beard. During my eight-week training period as an NYPD officer, my Supervisors harassed and punished me, and even threatened to fire me, if I did not submit to their demands that I remove my turban and beard.

But still, I refused to remove my turban and cut my hair, and because of this refusal, I was fired. Today along with the Sikh Coalition, I have filed a Complaint in federal court alleging that the NYPD has engaged in employment discrimination. I have filed this lawsuit to reclaim my rights as an American and as a Sikh under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws of our country.

There are Sikh police officers serving in many countries all over the world, and yet here in

New York city, the most diverse city in the world, Sikhs are being denied their right to serve in the police force. This is simply wrong and it must change.

This matter, however, is much larger than one single case of discrimination. What is at stake here is the guaranteed right of every Sikh American – and indeed, every American – to have an equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of their religious beliefs.

I hope that one day soon, I will be able to proudly serve in the NYPD. In the years ahead, I also hope that young and qualified Sikhs will look at joining the NYPD as an attractive and honorable career opportunity. This dream is what motivated me to apply to become an NYPD officer. I hope that one day soon, this dream will become a reality, and Sikhs will be allowed to serve in the NYPD.



STATEMENT OF KASHMIRA SINGH MANN, CHAIRPERSON OF

METROPOLITAN POLICE SIKH POLICE ASSOCIATION


March 4, 2003 My name is Kashmira Singh Mann. I am Chairperson of the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association. I have been a Metropolitan Police officer, (more popularly known as a London "bobby") for over 16 years and have done so wearing my Turban with pride. I currently serve as a Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Force. My colleagues and I, Kashmira Singh Mann, Tinny Kohli and Parminder Kaur Bhogal, have come here from London in order to lend our strongest possible support for Amric Singh Rathour’s fight to serve as an officer in NYPD. Frankly, we are amazed at the position taken by the New York City Department and city government on Sikh being able to serve as police officers in the NYPD. Over thirty years ago, in 1970, Harbans Singh Jabble was the first Turban wearing Sikh to serve as an officer in the Metropolitan Police Force. He was welcomed and he was authorized to wear his Turban whilst engaged in his duty as a Police Constable. That was over 32 Years ago and nowadays and now in London, the Metropolitan Police force has not only tolerated diversity in its police force but has embraced it and celebrates it. Because of these tolerant and accommodating views held by the Home Office of the UK, Harbans Singh happily did not face the same obstacles when he sought to be an officer thirty-three years ago, that Amric Singh inexplicably faces today. I used the word “inexplicable” because there is no rational reason to prevent Sikhs from serving as police officers. Our Association includes over 20 turbaned Sikh officers who serve in every imaginable capacity. In my long tenure with the force I have taken part in public order control, arrested violent offenders, been part of a response team that is the first to arrive at crime scenes. I have also served as one of the few officers in the Metropolitan Police to be part of a firearms squad that is authorized to carry firearms. My turban has never been an impediment to my proud service for the people of London. I, along with other Sikh officers, are recognized by the public as trustworthy police officers and respected as such within our police force. We have traveled far to be here today, but it is certainly worth the trip. In our endeavor to be here today to explain that Sikhs should not be excluded from the NYPD, we have the full support of not only our fellow religious and ethnic associations within the Metropolitan Police force ---- namely the Jewish, Hindu, Italian, Black, Greek, Muslim, and Christian police associations --- but also of Sir John Stevens, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police who is also known as Britons “top cop.” Sir John Stevens along with our fellow religious organizations also urge the NYPD to change



its “no turban and trimmed beard” policy. Being a Sikh and being a police officer are complementary. I am proud to be a Sikh Police officer and proud of the variety of colleagues from different faiths and backgrounds within the Metropolitan Police Service. Our religion obliges us to help all those in need. Britain recognized this important quality in its Sikh citizens throughout our joint history. We are here today as colleagues and friends of NYPD, and friends can learn from each other. We hope the NYPD can adopt the diversity strategies already in place in the MPS. We expect and hope that New York City will soon change their policies and give support to every section of the community of New York. Kashmira Singh Mann Chairperson Metropolitan Police Sikh Association



STATEMENT OF ARVINDER SINGH SANDHU


March 4, 2003 My name is Arvinder Singh Sandhu. For the past twelve to thirteen years I have served as police officer in the Ontario Provincial Police or OPP. Prior to my service with the Ontario Provincial Police, I served in the Canadian armed service. I have come today here today to New York because like my fellow Sikh law enforcement officers from London and nearby Peel, Canada, I would like to say that my career as police officer, is a testament to the fact that any Sikh can responsibly and faithfully serve their local community as a police officer. The idea that a Sikh can’t do so, is simply wrong. Our experience simply disproves this notion. I have served in many capacities in my time at the Ontario Provincial Police. I have served in general law enforcement where I like any police officer I have had to physically chase or run down and arrest violent criminals. I have been certified to provide expert testimony on an accused’s intoxication levels, as a breathalyzer and intoxilzyer technician. I have also received drug interdiction training. Presently, I work as a scene of crime officer, similar to a U.S. criminologist, where I analyze forensic evidence at major crime scenes. My turban has in no shape or form hindered me from performing these job functions. Nor has my turban not been received well be my colleagues at the Ontario Provincial Police. They have treated me with the courtesy and professional respect that any other officer would expect to receive. In closing, I would urge the NYPD to allow all its Sikh citizens to serve as police officers if that is what they desire. My experience tells me the New York will have a better police for doing so. It is my hope that we will soon see Amric Singh serving as an officer on the streets of New York. I thank you for your time.



STATEMENT OF PARDEEP SINGH NAGRA


March 4, 2003 My name is Pardeep Singh Nagra. I am an Auxiliary Police Officer with the Peel Regional Police in Ontario, Canada. I am here along with Amric Singh and fellow Sikh police officers to reiterate one simple message: There is nothing about a being a Sikh that stops one from being a great police officer, and from embracing the responsibility to serve and protect. In fact, world history has shown that Sikhs officers at all levels have a decorated record of service and valour. My experience as an auxiliary police officer in Canada clearly demonstrates this to be true. My police force has Sikhs performing their duties in many facets of the organization ranging from Auxiliary Officers, to Special Constables (Court Officers) and Constables, all while maintaining their articles of faith. The Auxiliary unit in which I proudly serve, is a volunteer unit that compliments and assists various policing initiatives within the organization. The Auxiliary Service supports the regular police service in the following ways: patrol and marine escorts; R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere), program assistance; special events; and emergency callout. Specific duties include riding with regular constables in uniform on regular patrols. In addition, duties may include assisting in arrests, crowd control, traffic, and crime scene searches. I am buoyed to say that my work and service as an Auxiliary Police Officer has been recognized and valued as I was named Auxiliary Officer of the Year in 2001. Wearing a turban has never been an impediment to me serving as an officer. I have not only performed various major functions in which a police officer serves, but as my Auxiliary Officer of the Year award indicates, I have served with distinction. I would strongly urge the New York City Police Department to allow all Sikhs the opportunity to serve the city of New York so that may serve with New York City’s finest. Our experience with Peel Regional Police in Ontario, Canada has been nothing but a success and an honor, the same is certainly possible in New York.



Case Specific Material



March 27, 2002

Via Certified Mail Raymond W. Kelly Commissioner New York City Police Department

One Police Plaza Room 1400 New York, NY 10038 Re: Dismissal of Amric Singh Rathour and NYPD Uniform Policy Dear Commissioner Kelly: On behalf of Sikhs around the world, I would like to commend you and the NYPD for the Department’s excellent service in protecting the people of New York during the trying events of the past 6 and a one half months. We are especially grateful for the sacrifices that Department officers have made for all New Yorkers on and since September 11, 2001. We are also grateful for the vigilance of Department officers in protecting Sikh Americans from 9/11-related hate crimes. Many of the thousands of Sikh Americans in New York City would be very proud to join Department officers in serving the city. This has not always been possible, however, because of Department regulations that force Sikhs to choose between serving the Department and their faith.

As you are aware, The Sikh Coalition initiated and has been leading a campaign to ensure that Sikh Americans will be able to serve in the NYPD with their full articles of faith, including the turban and beard. This campaign has centered around the August 27, 2001, dismissal of Amric Singh Rathour, who was terminated when he refused orders to remove his turban.

There is nothing about being a Sikh that stops one from being a great police officer. We are therefore requesting a meeting with you to discuss Mr. Rathour’s matter and more broadly the NYPD’s uniform policy. It is our goal to work with the Department to craft uniform regulations that meet the Department’s interest in protecting New Yorkers without requiring Sikh Americans to give up their faith. As many jurisdictions around the world and North America have discovered, these goals are not mutually exclusive, and in fact reinforce each other.



We would like to schedule a meeting for the second week of April. We would also

request that representatives of Sikh officers from other jurisdictions that allow Sikhs to serve with their full articles of faith be allowed to attend. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you and the Department.

Sincerely, Harpreet Singh Director

Enclosures:

1. “Why Shouldn’t Sikhs Be Welcome in the NYPD,?” New York Newsday Editorial, March 13, 2002.

2. “Sikh Coalition Campaigns for Ozone Park Traffic Cop,” Richmond Hill Times, March 14, 2002.

3. “Sikh Wants to End Turban Ban,” New York Newsday, March 11, 2002.cc: cc: Ravinder S. Bhalla, Esq., Coalition Counsel for Amric Singh (via facsimile, 973-424-9779)



Petition: Allow Turbaned Sikhs to Serve as Officers in the NYPD (http://www.petitiononline.com/SikhNYPD/petition.html) To: Mayor Bloomberg and NYPD

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor of New York City Dear Mayor Bloomberg: As you are likely aware, thousands of Sikh Americans are industrious, proud and generous residents of New York City. Like all New Yorkers, Sikhs expect that they can always rely on their city government and the NYPD to reflect New York in all its diversity. It is therefore with considerable distress that we report to you that Amric Singh Rathour, a Sikh born and raised in New York City, was fired by the NYPD because he refused to remove his turban, a religiously mandated article of faith in the Sikh religion. The undersigned therefore request your immediate assistance in revoking the discriminatory and unconstitutional no-turban rule currently employed by the NYPD. Amric Singh was fired by the NYPD on July 27, 2001. His letter of termination cited a provision of the NYPD dress code that requires all police officers to wear a police cap on their head as the reason for his termination. To add insult to injury, the NYPD not only terminated Amric for refusing to take off his religiously-mandated turban, but out of ignorance offered him an opportunity to comply with the mandates of Islam rather than Sikhism. This lack of knowledge is very disturbing. As you may be aware, thousands of Sikhs have and are proudly able to serve as police officers and soldiers with their turbans in numerous countries and cities around the world including Toronto, London, Hong Kong and New Delhi. We expect the same to be true in New York City. Towards this end, we request the immediate reinstatement of Amric Singh to the NYPD and revocation of the discriminatory “No Turban” rule. The Sikh Coalition and the undersigned look forward to working with your office and the NYPD to reach an amicable solution that would allow Sikhs to serve the city of New York as police officers with their turbans. Sincerely, The Undersigned

For a complete list of signatures, see http://www.petitiononline.com/SikhNYPD/petition.html

8764 Total Signatures as of March 3, 2003

sikhs in nypd federal lawsuit, press conferenceduring this significant campaign, the sikh coalition...

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