Sikh staff struggle with N Y transit over turbans (Turbans must have logo)

[truthpusher]

http://www.turkishpress.com/nw.asp?s=u&i=050715154547.bfen6b7y&t=Sikh%20staff%20struggle%20with%20New%20York%20transit%20officials%20over%20turbans

Page updated on 07-15-2005 at 15h45
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Sikh staff struggle with New York transit officials over turbans
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NEW YORK (AFP)
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Sikh men protest in New Delhi 17 September 2001 against the terrorist attacks of September 11th and against attacks on their community members in the US who were apparently mistaken for Muslims. A number of Sikh transit employees in New York filed discrimination charges over a policy requiring them to display company logos on their turbans

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A number of Sikh transit employees in New York filed discrimination charges over a policy requiring them to display company logos on their turbans.

One case involved a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Kevin Harrington, a Sikh subway train operator who has been forced to wear an Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) logo on his turban since January.

Five Sikh station agents, meanwhile, filed formal complaints on the same issue with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The employees charge that the headware logo policy -- introduced after the September 11 2001 attack on the World Trade Center -- amounts to discrimination.

"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,' Harrington said.

"I didn't have a corporate logo on my turban then. Why am I being threatened with reassignment in a rail yard unless I wear one now?" he asked.

more: http://www.turkishpress.com/nw.asp?s=u&i=050715154547.bfen6b7y&t=Sikh%20staff%20struggle%20with%20New%20York%20transit%20officials%20over%20turbans

complete story: http://www.turkishpress.com/nw.asp?s=u&i=050715154547.bfen6b7y&t=Sikh%20staff%20struggle%20with%20New%20York%20transit%20officials%20over%20turbans

[TahitiNut]

1. What about the ceremonial swords/daggers (Kirpan) they carry?

The Physical Articles of Faith

Kesh:
Long unshorn hair. A symbol of spirituality. The Kesh reminds a Khalsa to behave like the Guru's. It is a mark of dedication and group consciousness, showing a Khalsa's acceptance of God's will. Long hair have long been a common element of many spiritual prophets of various religions such as Jesus, Moses and Buddha.

Dastar:
Turban. A symbol of royalty and dignity. Historically the turban has been held in high esteem in eastern and middle eastern cultures. Guru Gobind Singh transformed this cultural symbol into a religious requirement so that the Khalsa would always have high self-esteem. It differentiates Sikhs from other religious followers who keep long hair but wear caps or keep matted hair. The turban cannot be covered by any other head gear or replaced by a cap or hat. The turban is mandatory for Sikh men and optional for Sikh women.

Kangha:
Comb. A symbol of hygiene and discipline as opposed to the matted unkept hair of ascetics. A Khalsa is expected to regularly wash and comb their hair as a matter of self discipline.

Kara:
Steel bracelet. A symbol to remind the wearer of restraint in their actions and remembrance of God at all times.

Kachha:
Drawers. A symbol signifying self control and chastity.

Kirpan:
Ceremonial Sword. A symbol of dignity and the Sikh struggle against injustice. It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not as a weapon.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=U&start=8&q=http://www.sikhs.org/khalsa.htm&e=9797

[htuttle]

2. Nowdays, I've read that a 'sword keychain' is usually sufficient

It doesn't have to be a big or even usable sword. After all, it's primarily symbolic.

[sleipnir]

3. They use that to fend off Robert Shaw!