Sikh Wins Religious Bias Complaint Against CA Corrections Department

Yesterday's Sacramento Bee reports on a recent California State Personnel Board administrative law judge's decision finding that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDC) discriminated against a Sikh applicant for employment. Trilochan "Obe" Oberoi met most of the requirements for being hired as a prison guard. However, CDC refused to allow him to take the gas mask fit test unless he shaved his beard. The ALJ, finding religious discrimination, said that CDC has allowed correctional officers with skin problems that prevent shaving to use an alternative type of mask. He wrote: "it is difficult to imagine why [CDC] cannot extend the same accommodation to [correctional officers] who cannot shave for religious reasons." CDC has until Dec. 18 to appeal the decision.