New Resource from Department of Justice

August 27, 2024 (Washington, DC) — Following a victory in court this past June, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a one-pager clarifying that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) cannot continue to discriminate against peace officers who maintain facial hair for religious reasons.

The one-pager explains that CDCR “must temporarily stop enforcing its no-beard policy against [peace officers] who ask to wear facial hair for religious reasons.” This includes requiring CDCR to discuss alternative jobs that peace officers can work with their facial hair or else allowing them to take paid leave, and it prohibits CDCR from taking any action against peace officers who are seeking to preserve their religious rights. These terms will remain in place until the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) completes its investigation into CDCR’s conduct.

“This resource is extremely helpful for peace officers who are seeking to understand their rights as legal action against CDCR remains ongoing,” explained Sikh Coalition Staff Attorney Amreen Partap Singh Bhasin. “The June preliminary injunction was a critical first step to stopping CDCR’s discrimination, and we want our clients—and all affected individuals—to understand the temporary, but significant, relief it provides.” 

The DOJ’s victory, a preliminary injunction secured on June 20, came about after they first issued a challenge to CDCR on March 25. At that time, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke wrote that “Sikhs, Muslims, and employees of any faith should not be forced to choose between the practice of their faith and their jobs.” This challenge was a direct result of the DOJ’s close consultation with the Sikh Coalition and our legal allies, who have been fighting for the rights of Sikh, Muslim, Black, and other peace officers since a 2023 policy change by CDCR abruptly revoked all beard accommodations, including those granted for religious or medical reasons.

As our collaboration with the DOJ continues, the Sikh Coalition also persists in our own legal campaign to address this issue. Over the past year and a half, we and our legal partners and co-counsel have retained eight clients who have suffered due to CDCR’s discriminatory policy. The charges of discrimination that we and our allies have previously filed with the EEOC on behalf of these clients should be a critical part of the abovementioned investigation. Learn more about all of our work on this case, dating back to February of 2023, here.

As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.