Sikh actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia announced on his Instagram account Monday that he was not allowed to board an Aeroméxico flight from Mexico City to New York City because of his turban.
"Dear NYC fashion week," he posted. "I may be a little late as @aeromexico won't let me fly with a turban. Don't start the show without me. #lovenotfear #fearisanopportunitytoeducate." The Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund has released a statement saying it is "disappointed and concerned" that Ahluwalia was asked to take his turban off before boarding the flight. "The turban is an integral part of a Sikh's identity and removal in public is akin to a strip search," the organization said. "The security personnel involved in this debacle owe Mr. Ahluwalia an apology and must be trained in cultural and religious awareness."
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