Sat Hari Singh

A Sikh subway motorman says wearing a logo of the Metro Transport Authority (MTA) on his turban violates his religious faith.

Sat Hari Singh, formerly Kevin Harrington who embraced Sikhism, had been wearing his turban to work without any incident. The MTA maintained the logo on the turban is their way of accommodating his religious beliefs even while enforcing a dress code. The 53-year-old motorman, who wears the logo reluctantly, could be transferred to a non-driving assignment if he refuses to do so.

He said a change of assignment could throw his life out of gear since he has to take care of his two children after school. Singh was quoted by Daily News as saying that he felt violated and degraded. He also said he felt the MTA does not respect his religion or the Sikh community. Muslim women employees of the MTA have been offered special head coverings with the logo. Alternatively they are permitted to wear the logos on their personal scarves.

(Compiled from news dispatches by M. Chooki)