In a first-of-its-kind appointment, the Modesto Police Department, Calif., swore in its first Sikh American officer on June 14, allowing him to wear his turban and have beard on work despite a grooming policy that requires officers to be clean-shaven in the department.
Ceres, Modesto-based Varinder Khun Khun was born in India, and graduated from the Napa Police Academy on June 11. The 28-year-old is one of the 33 officers hired by the department so far.
“I’ve never seen police officers wearing a turban before; I didn’t know if I would get a chance (to be a police officer) … I am thankful for MPD giving me the opportunity,” said the Sikh before the swearing-in ceremony. The Modesto Police Department’s grooming policy requires officers be clean shaven, allowing only for a moustache that extends to the edge of the lip.
Khun Khun approached Police Chief Galen Carroll a year ago about applying for the job and the requirement that he have a beard and wear a turban.
In 2012, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that added to California’s Fair Employment Act protection against discrimination for religious dress and grooming practices.
In April, three US Army enlistees won permission to wear beards and turbans after filing federal lawsuits that seek to force the Pentagon to accommodate those who wear beards for religious purposes.
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