• Federal Screening Policy for Turbans, Headwear Concerns Religious, Ethnic Groups

The federal policy change went into effect Aug. 4, subjecting travelers to secondary screening at security checkpoints if they are wearing head coverings, such as cowboy hats, berets or turbans. The screenings could include a pat-down search of the head covering if the screener finds it necessary.The New York-based Sikh Coalition believes the new policy singles out Sikhs and others who wear religious head coverings. More than 25 ethnic and religious organizations, such as the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the Asian American Justice Center, have signed the coalition's petition against the policy change.