Vice Chair Crowley Welcomes NYPD Decision to Allow Observant Sikh Americans to Serve

(Queens, N.Y.) – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and a leader on Sikh-American issues, welcomed the announcement that the New York Police Department will allow observant Sikhs to serve in the force while maintaining their articles of faith. Crowley sent a letter in 2014 advocating for this change, and has had numerous discussions with city officials on the effort over the past four years.

“This is good news. Allowing observant Sikhs to serve in the NYPD is not only the right thing to do, it will foster stronger relationships in our communities and strengthen the security of our city,” said Crowley. “At a time when Sikhs have been targeted for hate crimes including in New York, it also sends a powerful signal that Sikhs are part of this great city and every bit as accepted as anyone else.”

A recognized leader in Congress on issues related to the Sikh-American community, Crowley spearheaded a multi-year, successful effort to convince the FBI to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans and Hindu-Americans, an important issue brought to nationwide attention by the massacre of Sikh worshippers in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in 2012. He has also helped lead a major bipartisan coalition urging the Department of Defense to allow Sikh-Americans to serve in the U.S. military while abiding by their articles of faith, such as wearing a turban or beard.

Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.