Letter sent to CDCR against Discriminatory Beard Policy

Earlier this month, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) rolled out an updated policy that forces bearded peace officers, including those who previously held religious or medical accommodations, to shave or face disciplinary sanctions.

In response, the Sikh Coalition and the ACLU Foundation of Northern California sent a letter to CDCR detailing “grave concerns” regarding the categorical application of this policy and the disproportionate impact that it has on Black and brown CDCR peace officers – specifically Black officers who are far more likely to suffer from Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), a medical condition that causes painful skin inflammation and scarring, and Sikhs and other religious minorities who are religiously mandated to keep their facial hair. In the week since the policy went into full effect, both

This policy has created enormous fear and confusion for Sikh CDCR peace officers whose previously held religious accommodations are no longer valid organizations have received requests for legal help from Black and Sikh individuals working at CDCR facilities across the state who have been negatively impacted by this policy.

“This policy has created enormous fear and confusion for Sikh CDCR peace officers whose previously held religious accommodations are no longer valid. It now seemingly forces them to either comply with the shaving requirement under extreme duress or risk their employment,” said Harsimran Kaur, Sikh Coalition Senior Counsel. “The discriminatory policy change is not only untenable for Sikh peace officers; its effect is enormous because it adversely impacts every peace officer who requires a religious or medical beard accommodation.”