Over Seas

Sikh American drives away with legal victory in Minnesota; Turbans facilitated in driver’s license photos

February 20, 2014 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

Minnesota, United States (February 20, 2014): According to a statement released by Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) in a significant win for the Sikh American community in Minnesota, Jatinder Singh of Blaine, Minnesota and SALDEF succeeded in challenging the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services’ (DVS) driver’s license policy. The victory ensures that he and other Sikh Americans in Minnesota can wear their turbans in driver’s license photos.

Last month, Jatinder Singh contacted SALDEF after he was told his turban was not allowed in his driver’s license photo, effectively barring him from renewing his license. SALDEF immediately contacted DVS to address the matter.

In direct discussions, SALDEF pointed DVS officials to the department’s explicit policy on religious accommodation. In fact, the department’s own guidance material shows examples of compliant photographs, including a full-face photo of a Sikh American man wearing a turban.

Following SALDEF’s intervention, Mr. Singh was able to successfully obtain his license with his articles of faith intact.

DVS Director, Patricia McCormick apologized for the incident and reported, “As a result of your letter and the agent’s actions, the department is working to remind agents and drivers license examination staff of the process for renewals specifically related to accommodating the Sikh turban.” She pledged to work with SALDEF on religious accommodation training of DVS staff as needed.

“We commend Director McCormack and the Minnesota DVS for quickly correcting this problem so Jatinder Singh could get his driver’s license,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SALDEF. “We also commend Jatinder Singh for identifying an opportunity to make change, for the benefit of Sikh Americans in Minnesota and elsewhere, who now see a shining example of a fair policy properly enforced.”

SALDEF is also thankful for local community member support from Jasjit Ahluwalia, Harsohena Kaur, and Ricky Singh.

Read about SALDEF’s involvement in similar driver’s license related issues in Georgia, California, and Oklahoma in the last few years.

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Related Topics: SALDEF, Sikh Identity, Sikhs in United States

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