The US Army has granted an exemption to keep hair and beard unshorn to one of two Sikhs recruited into a military Health Professions Scholarship program. The first such exemption in 23 years has been granted to Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi. A decision regarding Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan is pending his dental certification. Despite assurances at the time of enlistment that their hair and beards would be no problem, after completing four years of studies, the US Army instructed both men to remove their turbans and cut to their hair and beards for active duty.
Aided by the Sikh Coalition, the Sikh men appealed the Army policy because of religious convictions. In a united effort they were joined by the Sikh Council on Research and Education, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and United Sikhs. They were also supported by 43 members of the House of Representatives and six US senators. Thousands of Sikhs and other sympathetic supporters signed petitions on their behalf. Gracious thanks to all of you who together made this possible.
An important first step, Sikhs look forward to the day when faith based discrimination is no longer part of US Military policy.
how cool is that!!!
great story..