New York, NY, April 23, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Today, UNITED SIKHS assisted a Sikh employee to file a complaint with the New York City Human Rights Commission (NYCHRC) after he was terminated from his job because he passed through workplace security with his Kirpan.
This case highlights the harmful impact of employers’ overly broad workplace weapons policies that fail to account for religious practices. Such policies disproportionately affect Sikh employees, effectively excluding them from the workforce and denying them equal employment opportunities.
Mr. Singh posed no threat to anyone. This is underscored by the support of more than 30 of his peers, who signed a petition affirming his character and advocating on his behalf. Despite this, his employer mischaracterized his adherence to his faith as misconduct under a sweeping weapons ban, compounding the harm by causing the denial of Mr. Singh’s New York State Unemployment Benefits (UIB).
“Ironically, the same weapons policy exempts items such as scissors with blades up to four (4) inches in length, an object that could easily be used as a weapon, while prohibiting a Kirpan, which is a symbolic and religious article carried by initiated Sikhs as part of their faith for over 600 years,” said Inderjeet Singh, from UNITED SIKHS, who assisted the employee in filing the NYCHRC complaint.
Compounding the issue, Mr. Singh’s union has delayed processing his grievance and has refused to engage with UNITED SIKHS on this matter, raising further concerns about fair representation and due process.
“Employers must ensure that workplace policies are applied in a manner that respects religious freedoms and complies with human rights laws,” said Inderjeet Singh. “No one should be forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood.”
UNITED SIKHS remains committed to advocating for Mr. Singh and for the broader Sikh community to ensure that religious rights are protected and upheld in all workplaces.
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