NYPD to review beard policy after Muslim officer reinstated

Officer Masood Syed, who was suspended during Ramadan for refusing to shave his inch-long beard, has been reinstated

July 01, 2016 12:52 PM

New York Police Department Officer Masood Syed, a practicing Muslim, center, leaves Manhattan federal court in New York Wednesday, June 22, 2016.

Associated Press

NEW YORK — The New York Police Department says it will examine its policy banning beards after a federal class-action lawsuit was filed last week on behalf a Muslim officer who was suspended for violating the rule.

Officer Masood Syed, who was suspended during Ramadan for refusing to shave his inch-long beard, has been reinstated.

City attorney Michael Fleming had said the limit on facial hair is necessary for gas masks to fit tightly on officers’ faces.

Syed’s lawsuit states the rule is unconstitutional and inconsistently enforced. It seeks unspecified financial damages and a court order banning the NYPD from enforcing the rule.

Police legal officials say a review of the rule should take about 120 days. The NYPD will also examine how it handles disciplinary cases and exemptions involving the rule.

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