You are not allowed to be discriminated against solely on the basis of being
a Sikh or based solely on an
appearance or dress that is associated with our religion and/or culture.
For example, selecting a man for an inspection solely because he is wearing
a long beard or
turban is unlawful discrimination, violating state and federal statutes and
constitutional principles.
As a Sikh woman, you have the same rights with respect to your hair covering
as a Sikh man has with his turban.
The authorities may search you in the same manner in which they search other
passengers. That
is, if they are requiring all passengers to disrobe, or if they are
"randomly" searching passengers without regard to their appearance
alone. Source: Norman Strickman, US Department of Transportation, Office
of the General Counsel, email to Aviation Industry, September 21, 2001
You or your property are not to be inspected, searched, detained and/or
denied transportation services
solely because you are a Sikh, speak Punjabi, wear a Turban, or wear Punjabi
clothing. Source: Carrying Out Transportation Inspection and Safety
Responsibilities in a Nondiscriminatory Manner, email from DOT to Aviation
Industry, October 16, 2001
If you trigger a metal detector and security asks you to remove your turban,
ask first that they check you
with a hand wand, and if necessary, to pat you down. You may request that
this be done in a public or a private setting. If security refuses to
respect this reasonable request, ask to speak to a supervisor. Source: Carrying
Out Transportation Inspection and Safety Responsibilities in a
Nondiscriminatory Manner, email from DOT to Aviation Industry, October 16,
2001
If a search or inspection is necessary for safety or security reasons, you
must be provided with the choice
of a public or private inspection. You must be given the opportunity to
replace your clothing in a private area. Source: Carrying Out
Transportation Inspection and Safety Responsibilities in a Nondiscriminatory
Manner, email from DOT to Aviation Industry, October 16, 2001
You have the right to be treated with respect and in a polite, respectful
and friendly manner, just as the
other travelers expect to be treated. Source: Carrying Out Transportation
Inspection and Safety Responsibilities in a Nondiscriminatory Manner, email
from DOT to Aviation Industry, October 16, 2001
You have the right to have your questions answered in a straight, forward,
honest manner.
Source: Carrying Out Transportation Inspection and Safety
Responsibilities in a Nondiscriminatory Manner, email from DOT to Aviation
Industry, October 16, 2001
You should pack your kirpan in checked baggage, and not attempt to carry it
on your person or in your
carry-on luggage, because having a kirpan in the airplane cabin violates
current regulations. REMEMBER: Stay calm and polite .
If you believe your rights have been violated, take down the names of the
people violating them, the time, and the names of any witnesses willing to
step forward. Once you get to a safe place, report the incident to the Sikh
Communications Council by calling 650-473-9272 and leaving detailed
information including your contact information. You may also wish to
consider contacting your local bar association for legal assistance
concerning your rights.
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