Sikh Student Sues U.S. Army: VIDEO

Iknoor Singh speaks four languages, is physically fit and gets solid grades at Ney York’s Hofstra University where he’s a sophomore. But unlike his classmates Singh can’t enrol as a cadet in Hofstra ROTC program. He’s been told by army officials that allowing him to serve with the beard, turban and long hair he keeps in accordance with his Sikh religion could, “... have an adverse impact on the Army’s readiness, unit cohesion, standards, health, safety, or discipline.”

Iknoor Singh says, “Sikhs are often mistaken for different religions, often radical people. One of the ways we can change that is by being in uniform, whether it’s being a fireman, being a police officer or being a military enlisted man, an officer or whatever the case may be.”

Several dozen Sikhs have served since the first world war but today there are only three: A result of the department of defence tightening uniform regulations in the 1980’s. Sikhs must apply for an accommodation on a case by case basis.

Iknoor says, “I would have to abandon my faith… and then come back to it which makes no sense.” He is speaking about the catch 22 policy which requires him to ask for a “religious accommodation’ in order to keep his turban and beard. However he can not ask for the accommodation until he first shaves his beard, cuts his hair and takes off his turban by enrolling in the ROTC program.

Watch the full video below:

11/25/14

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With only three Sikhs serving in the U.S. military, Hofstra University sophomore Iknoor Singh is challenging the Army to change its policies and allow him to enlist in the ROTC with the beard, turban, and long hair he keeps in accordance with his religion.