NM Man Claims Discrimination Over Beard

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) - Shave the beard or lose your job: A paramedic is suing an Española hospital, saying he was forced to leave his job because of his facial hair.

Sahaj Khalsa was a paramedic for Española Hospital for nine years.  He says when a new administration began in 2008, they told him to get rid of his beard.  Khalsa says he is part of the Sikh religion, and his faith includes growing a long beard.

He says he offered to wear a medical mask to cover it up, but his troubles didn't end.  Khalsa resigned from his job in December.  On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the hospital.

A spokesperson for Presbyterian Hospital Systems says they attempted work with Khalsa and his attorneys on workplace issues.  They also say Presbyterian employs more than 9,000 people with a diverse workface and does not discriminate.