Folsom man with beard can't become (prison) guard, says AG

[The Straight Story]

Folsom man with beard can't become guard, says AG

SACRAMENTO, CA (AP) -- California's attorney general says religious freedom isn't enough to trump a corrections department ban on prison guards wearing beards.

Attorney General Kamala Harris says in a Sacramento County Superior Court filing that Trilochan Oberoi can't be properly fitted for a gas mask if he keeps the facial hair required by his Sikh religion.

Harris said no exceptions have been granted since the policy took effect in 2004. She's asking that Oberoi's lawsuit be dismissed.

Civil rights organizations sent a letter to Harris on Tuesday asking her to reconsider her opposition.

They say the correction department's regulations let guards wear beards for certain medical conditions.

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=119619&catid=2

[old mark]

1. Used to work with a guy whose son was refused a job as a local police officer

because he had too many visible tattoos on his lower arms. He did get a job with the county Sheriff's office, which evidently has no such requirement...


K&R


mark