The Sikh Turban: Post-9/11 Challenges to this Article of Faith

Authors

Dawinder S. Sidhu, University of New Mexico - School of LawFollow
Hena Singh Gohil

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 1-1-2008

Abstract

This essay examines how the turban has transformed from a sacred piece of attire for Sikhs to a target for discriminatory conduct and an object of marginalization after 9/11. Part I provides an introduction to Sikhism, which originated in 17th century South Asia, and discusses the religious significance of the Sikh turban. Part II examines incidents of discrimination in several contexts involving turbaned Sikhs in America. Part III analyzes the debate surrounding assimilation that has been taking place in the West, which implicates conspicuous articles of faith, including the Sikh turban. The essay also explores the legal remedies available to turbaned Sikhs affected by discriminatory conduct or by broader policies on the wearing of turbans.

Publication Title

Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion

Volume

9

Issue

2

First Page

10

Recommended Citation

Dawinder S. Sidhu & Hena Singh Gohil, The Sikh Turban: Post-9/11 Challenges to this Article of Faith, 9 Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion 10 (2008).
Available at: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/law_facultyscholarship/296