9.04.2007

new airport screening policy for turbans

A new federal airport screening policy for turbans and other headwear has Sikh American groups concerned that they are being unfairly targeted: Turban screening measures questioned. The new policy, which went into effect last month, subjects travelers to secondary screening at security checkpoints if they're 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. For many Sikhs, this measure could be a serious violation of privacy and religious freedom. Is this racial/religious profiling? Somehow, I've got this feeling that the blond white dude with a cowboy hat is not going to receive the same kind of security scrutiny the South Asian-looking dude with a turban is going to get at the airport. But that's just me.

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