New York, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
UNITED SIKHS has raised concerns over the treatment of Sikh employees and travellers wearing the Kirpan during a meeting with officials of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Civil Rights & Engagement Unit.
The organisation’s International Civil & Humanitarian Aid (ICHRA) Justice Center met TSA officials on August 19 as part of its efforts to strengthen protections for Sikh religious rights in the transportation sector.
During the meeting, UNITED SIKHS highlighted concerns over Sikhs allegedly being denied religious accommodations or facing termination from transportation-related jobs because they wear the Kirpan. The organisation said some international companies have relied on broad weapons policies that, in its view, can create barriers to equal employment opportunities for Sikh workers.
The organisation also raised concerns about Sikh travellers being required to surrender their Kirpans at airport security checkpoints, particularly where there is no consistent procedure for retrieving surrendered items.
Inderjeet Singh, ICHRA Community Liaison, said travellers should be able to hand over restricted religious items to an authorised official and receive a receipt to facilitate their return.
TSA officials committed to reviewing the agency’s contracts, which they said prohibit religious discrimination, and to examining lost-and-found procedures at airports. The agency also expressed willingness to continue working with UNITED SIKHS on training, guidance and policy improvements.
UNITED SIKHS briefed TSA officials on the religious significance of the Kirpan, describing it as a core article of the Sikh faith. The organisation said the meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to continue dialogue aimed at protecting Sikh religious rights in employment and air travel.
UNITED SIKHS said it welcomed TSA’s responsiveness while stressing the need for broader policy reforms to safeguard Sikh civil rights across the United States.
The organisation encouraged Sikh community members experiencing difficulties related to the Kirpan or religious accommodations to seek its assistance.
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