SACRAMENTO (Diya TV) — The Sikh Coalition proudly announced its sponsorship of AB 2321, introduced by California Assemblymember Liz Ortega on February 9 in collaboration with the Sikh Coalition and legal allies. This bill aims to address the rights of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) employees, particularly concerning personal protective equipment (PPE) and religious accommodations.
Introduced a year after CDCR’s policy update requiring bearded peace officers, including those with religious or medical accommodations, to shave or face disciplinary actions, AB 2321 seeks to rectify this situation. The policy disproportionately affects Black and brown CDCR peace officers, especially those with conditions aggravated by shaving like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), and those, like Sikhs, who maintain facial hair as a religious tenet.
AB 2321 mandates CDCR, responsible for overseeing the state’s prison system and parole programs, to fulfill its obligation, under federal and state law, to provide appropriate PPE tailored to individual employees’ needs. Additionally, it requires a structured process for accommodation requests, including timelines for review and appeals rights for peace officers facing denials.
“We thank Assemblymember Liz Ortega for collaborating with us on AB 2321,” said Sikh Coalition Senior State Policy Manager Puneet Kaur Sandhu. “This bill is crucial in ensuring California’s largest public employer, responsible for the custody and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, upholds its responsibility to provide safe accommodations while respecting employees’ religious freedoms.”
In tandem with this legislative effort, the Sikh Coalition continues its legal campaign against discriminatory CDCR policies. Over the past year, the Coalition, alongside legal partners, has represented seven clients adversely affected by the policy, ranging from termination threats to forced use of paid leave while awaiting accommodations.
“The introduction of AB 2321 complements our ongoing legal efforts,” remarked Sikh Coalition Staff Attorney Amreen Partap Singh Bhasin. “It reinforces our commitment to safeguarding employees’ rights to uphold their faith and health while working in CDCR institutions.”
Previously, the Sikh Coalition mobilized support from over 400 community members to engage California legislators on CDCR’s policies. Looking ahead, the Coalition plans to continue working with the community to advance AB 2321 through the California Assembly and Senate.
Ending discrimination by the state’s largest public employer, responsible for the welfare and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, is not only a victory for Sikhs but for all employees in California. As always, the Sikh Coalition encourages individuals to practice their faith without fear. Stay tuned for updates on AB 2321’s progress.
