Story Archive

Sikh and Ye Shall Find Discrimination

Jagjeet Singh, 49, a truck driver from California, was pulled over by the Mississippi Department of Transportation for driving with a flat tire. A DOT officer noticed that Singh, a Sikh, had a 3-inch kirpan — a ceremonial knife that all Sikhs carry. The DOT officer claimed such a knife is illegal (it’s not), and demanded that Singh give it to him. Singh refused, noting it was part of his religion. “In response,” says a complaint filed with the DOT, “the officer laughed at him and mocked his religious beliefs” while another officer “declared that all Sikhs are depraved and ‘terrorists’.” Singh was cited for “refusing to obey a command.” When his court date came up, Singh had to travel back to Mississippi to appear. Pike County Judge Aubrey Rimes looked at Singh and told him to remove “that rag” — his turban — or he would call his case last. Singh again refused — and was called last. Singh pleaded guilty to the ridiculous charge, paid his fine, and left. The ACLU has filed complaints against the DOT and the judge. (RC/ABC News) ...Mississippi: trying like mad to out-Florida Florida.
Original Publication Date: 29 September 2013
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 20.

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