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Two corrections officers allege religious discrimination
Aug 27, 2019 12:00 pm
David Lombardo is reporting for the Times Union two state corrections officers say their superiors forced them to choose between their religion and their jobs. State corrections officers Brian Sughrim and David Feliciano initiated legal action in federal court August 26, alleging the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision discriminated against them by putting both men on suspension this summer after they refused to shave their beards. Both men say they maintain their beards for religious reasons. Sughrim and Feliciano were reinstated hours after the lawsuit was filed. Both are stationed at the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Dutchess County. DOCCS spokesperson Thomas Mailey said the department took another look at the religious exemptions in light of the new state law that bans employment discrimination based on religious attire and facial hair. Sughrim and Feliciano were reinstated with full back pay, according to the department. "DOCCS will also be reviewing its rules regarding facial hair immediately in light of the new law," Mailey said in a statement. Read the full story in the Times Union.