US Air Force has updated its dress code to allow its personnel to wear religious headwear, a move that has been heavily praised by religious minorities in the States.
While activists have long been calling for equality in military branches of the US, the Air Force has taken a big step forward as it announced Muslims and Sikhs will be allowed to wear religious headwear while serving.
According to the updated regulations, hijabs, turbans, unkempt hair, and beards are allowed as long as they appear to be “neat and conservative.”
Previously, members of religious minorities were forced to file individual requests to be allowed to wear articles of faith whereas the decisions were made on a case-by-case basis.
“We support these new guidelines as a step toward religious accommodation and inclusion for military personnel of all faiths,” Ibrahim Hooper of the Council of American-Islamic Relations expressed after the new ruling.
While the updated dress code was heavily welcomed by religious groups in the US, the Sikh American Veterans Alliance and Sikh Coalition are calling for the updated regulations to be extended to other branches of the Army.
“Sikhs have served honorably and capably in the US Armed Forces and other militaries around the world.point 198 | And, while we are eager for a blanket proclamation that all observant Sikh Americans can serve in every branch of the military without seeking accommodations, this policy clarification is a great step forward towards ensuring equality of opportunity and religious freedom in the Air Force,” Giselle Klapper of the Sikh Coalition said.point 483 | 1
As Kamal Singh Kalsi, the president of SAVA, added, a broader policy should take place in all branches of the Army.
“The Department of Defense should have a consistent and department wide policy on religious accommodation,” he said.
“Those who are committed and qualified to serve our country in uniform should be able to do so in a more streamlined and efficient manner.”
What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends and follow us on Facebook for more news and stories!
Replaced!