New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but NYPD rules prevent its officers from wearing beards or head coverings required for religious reasons. This forces Sikhs and members of other faiths to choose between serving in the NYPD and honoring their religious beliefs. They shouldn't have to make that choice.

In the wake of the tragic shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis., now is the time for us to show that New York City fully embraces the Sikh community. A change allowing NYPD officers to openly wear religious head coverings and full beards would accomplish that goal and show that New York City deserves its reputation as a global capital of religious acceptance.