City apologizes to World Sikh Organization after reinstating guards fired over facial hair policy

The City of Toronto has apologized to the World Sikh Organization (WSO) after reinstating security guards who were terminated after not showing up to work “clean-shaven.”

Effective Tuesday, the city allowed “under-mask beard covers as a reasonable accommodation option for individuals who maintain facial hair as a tenet of their faith” after complaints were made by the WSO.

“Today, the City of Toronto is providing a further update on its work to ensure security contractors accommodate all employees,” reads a release from the city.

“The City of Toronto formally contacted its contracted security service providers and restated its expectations that they appropriately accommodate any Sikh security guard employees who have requested religious exemptions and reinstate any employee whose employment was terminated, immediately. The City will not accept any contractors failing to accommodate religious freedoms.”

The WSO responded shortly after the city released their apology, saying they recognize the actions to “address and remedy” the policy in question.

The WSO recognizes the City of Toronto’s actions to address and remedy the no beard policy pic.twitter.com/lk2gPsCXQF

— WSO (@WorldSikhOrg) July 6, 2022

The original policy from the city stated that face coverings, such as N05 masks, needed to be fitted against bare skin.

More than 100 Sikh security guards at companies contracted by the city were removed from their postings for not shaving their faces even though it is a central requirement of their faith

On Monday, the WSO highlighted its plea to the City of Toronto for action back in June after the “clean-shave” requirement was put in place at sites operated by the City’s Shelter, Support and Housing Administration division.

With files from Nick Westoll