Seven years on, Sikh gets respite from Disney discrimination
Friday, 10/07/2015
http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
NEW YORK: A Sikh-American employee at the Walt Disney World in Florida, who was barred for seven years from working in full view of customers due his religious appearance, has achieved a significant victory with the company agreeing to end the segregation.
Gurdit Singh had been employed as a mail carrier at the popular amusement park in 2008, but was told by his bosses that he would not be permitted to run mail routes visible to customers because his religious appearance “violated” the company’s ‘Look Policy’.
In a letter to Disney, rights group Sikh Coalition as well as the American Civil Liberties Union said the “segregation” relegated Singh to a mail route with a greater workload than other routes. It created “animosity” among co-workers because he could not assist in operating other routes, and it precluded his opportunities for professional advancement. Following this, Walt Disney World reversed its decision and granted Singh a religious accommodation.
Singh will no longer be kept hidden from public view of Disney visitors because of his turban and beard, and he will be permitted to run all mail routes just like any other mail carrier, Sikh Coalition said.
“For seven years, Singh was restricted to delivering mail to Disney’s corporate offices — a mail route that shielded him from areas where Disney guests congregate,” it added. “No one should have to face daily humiliation because of his or her religious beliefs. I am also grateful to Disney, and hope this decision opens the door for other Sikhs and religious minorities who wish to work for this company,” Singh said in a statement.
