This 2014 photo provided by the American Civil Liberties Union shows Hofstra University student Iknoor Singh, who sued the Army last year, claiming his goal of someday working in military intelligence was being stymied by the Army's policy. A federal judge has now ordered the Sikh college student from New York be permitted to enroll in the U.S. Army's Reserve Officer Training Corps without shaving his beard, cutting his hair, or removing his turban. (American Civil Liberties Union via AP) (The Associated Press)
MINEOLA, N.Y. – A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Army to permit a Sikh college student from New York to enroll in the Reserve Officer Training Corps without shaving his beard, cutting his hair or removing his turban.
Iknoor Singh, a student at Hofstra University, sued the Army last year, saying his goal of someday working in military intelligence was being stymied by the Army policy.
The judge ruled Friday in Washington that the Army failed to show the 20-year-old student's adherence to his religious beliefs would diminish his ability to serve in the military.
Sikhism requires male followers to wear a turban and beard and keep their hair uncut.
Singh says Monday he is thrilled by the ruling and is eager to serve his country.
An Army spokesman didn't immediately comment.
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