The suspect, whose name is not publicly available because of his age, has also been charged with 33 separate counts of vandalism for incidents within the last year.  In conjunction with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating any potential connections the juvenile may have to known hate groups. Thus far, they have not found any such connections.

The Sheriff’s Department says information provided by local community leaders and the management committee of the Gurdwara Sahib, including video footage showing the act of vandalism as it happened, was crucial to the arrest.

READ: Statement from the Riverside County Sheriff

READ: California Gurdwara Vandalized (SALDEF)

According to local community leaders who attended the suspect’s first court appearance on Wednesday, the judge noted the severity of this crime and emphasized that the acts reflected ignorance and hate.

SALDEF has been engaged with the Riverside community since the gurdwara alerted the organization’s Los Angeles office to the vandalism.  SALDEF staff have provided support to the local sangat for engagement with law enforcement and the media, discussion of potential safety protocol refinements, and in providing Sikh awareness materials for general outreach. SALDEF staff continue to work with local leaders and gurdwara management to determine the short- and long-term needs of the local sangat.

SALDEF staff met with FBI officials on Aug. 7th to discuss the crime, updates on the investigation, additional potential resources for safety, and possible future outreach events.

SALDEF will continue to work to address the safety concerns of the local sangat.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. In all emergency situations, please contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911.   If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

Upcoming Event
What:  Townhall forum for local sangat
When:  Sunday, August 18th
Where:  Riverside Gurdwara Sahib
Goal:   FBI, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will answer questions about the investigation and general concerns among the sangat.

For more information on the townhall, please contact Click here to email, or by phone at 213.985.1116.

There is still time to apply for the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP).  This program is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial new generation of young Sikh American leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. TThe application deadline is LESS THAN 48 HOURS AWAY. Click here to apply now!

READ: Blog post from a Class of 2013 LDP Graduate: How a Facebook Ad Changed My Life

READ: Blog post from a 2012 LDP Graduate: We Spoke to the World

This opportunity is for individuals of all career paths and interests!  Past graduates have included students and young professionals in the fields of education, business, law, social justice, entrepreneurship, medicine, journalism, marketing, and television musical celebrities.

WATCH: Slideshows of LDP Class of 2013 in Washington, DC and Los Angeles

WATCH: Slideshows of LDP Class of 2012 in Washington, DC and Los Angeles

Click here to watch the promotional video (credit: Sukhjeet Singh)

Click here to apply now to this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The program brings together a group of young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day) in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA. Attendees participate in a series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions to promote personal development, build leadership skills and gain community empowerment skills.

What are you waiting for? Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

There is still time to apply for the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP).  This program is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial new generation of young Sikh American leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The application deadline is this Sunday, August 4th.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few of the things that last year’s participants said about their LDP experience:

“This program provided me the most inspiring and valuable weekend of my life!”

“Overall excellent weekend – words cannot describe the knowledge, motivation, and inspiration I am taking away with me.”

“Through LDP I have learned so much valuable information about the qualities of a leader.”

“This was the program I was looking for…I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.”

“I came with an open mind and left completely inspired. Most importantly though, I have 16 other young leaders who I can call family.”

“Amazing! Life changing!”

Click here to watch the promotional video (credit: Sukhjeet Singh)

Click here to apply now to this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The program brings together a group of young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day) in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA. Attendees participate in a series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions to promote personal development, build leadership skills and gain community empowerment skills.

WATCH:  Slideshow of the 2012 LDP Class in Washington DC

READ:  Blog post from an LDP Graduate

WATCH: Slideshow of the 2011 LDP Class in Los Angeles, CA

What are you waiting for? Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) has been in direct contact with Riverside County Sheriff Department, the Riverside Police Department, the FBI and Department of Justice CRS urging them to investigate the incident as a hate crime.
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“It is horrible to see an attack of hate on a place of worship as we reflect on the lives lost one year ago during the attack on the Oak Creek Gurdwara. Attacks and vandalism against any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. These acts strike the very foundation of religious tolerance, a fundamental freedom this country was built upon,” said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “We call upon local and federal law enforcement agencies to rightfully classify this incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice to show that hate and violence are not tolerated in our society.”

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READ: Information about Oak Creek Gurdwara Attack in 2012

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According to community members who contacted SALDEF, sometime between late night and this morning the vandalism occurred.  No witnesses have come forward yet, but anyone with information regarding this situation should please contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department directly.
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SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. In all emergency situations, please contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

The one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting in Oak Creek, WI is fast approaching on August 5th.  SALDEF recommends using this time to organize activities which encourage reflection and unity.  Below are suggestions which are intended to bring communities together and raise awareness about Sikhs.
Participate in the Oak Creek 6K Memorial Run & Walk

The Oak Creek Sangat has organized a 6K Memorial Run & Walk in Oak Creek on August 3rd.  Register online here, get more information via Facebook, or contact the organizers via email at Click here to email.

Organize Your Own Run

The Surat Initiative is organizing a National Run in Solidarity Against Violence on August 5th.  If you are interested in organizing a run in your area, visit the Surat Initiative.

Organize a Vigil

Commemorate the anniversary by organizing a vigil in your community remembering the victims of all hate crimes. SALDEF has created a toolkit to assist with this type of program.

Bring 6 Non- Sikh Friends to your Gurdwara

Hold an “Open House” at your Gurdwara to encourage non-Sikhs to visit and learn about Sikhism.  Use the SALDEF guide “Organizing an Open House at the Gurdwara Sahib” as a guide.

Please contact SALDEF for educational resources or support with media related inquiries.

READ: 60,000 California Police Officers Can Now Learn About Sikh Americans

READ: Las Vegas Police Department and SALDEF Partner to Develop Training Program

On Common Ground, produced in collaboration with the Department of Justice, provides law enforcement with an overview of Sikh American cultural practices, describes Sikh articles of faith, explores common misconceptions, and presents strategies and best practices to use in non-emergency situations when interacting with community members.

“The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission is dedicated to providing not only skills training, but also a strong foundation of understanding for officers to work more effectively with the people we serve,” said Sue Rahr, Executive Director of the CJTC.  Providing education about the many cultures in our communities equips officers to be more effective in their interactions and build strong partnerships.  It also raises officers’ awareness of the significant challenges and dangers members of those minority communities face due to the ignorance and bias.  We are very appreciative of our partnership with SALDEF in sharing ‘On Common Ground’ an excellent training video for law enforcement about Sikh American culture.”

The CJTC enhances public safety by establishing standards and providing education and training, with a mission to lead the nation in developing a 21st century criminal justice workforce. As the main criminal justice training entity in the state, the CJTC administers and manages some two hundred statewide programs and develops and supports all criminal justice training for the state of Washington.

“We are excited and thankful for this new partnership with CJTC as they continue to provide diverse resources and best practices for Washington’s law enforcement community” said SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh. “Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. This is particularly important in Washington as it has a long history of Sikh Americans as residents. It is our hope that this collaboration serves as a model showing the need for, and benefit of, collaboration between law enforcement and the Sikh American community.”

SALDEF would like to offer special thanks to CJTC Executive Director Sue Rahr and Training & Program Manager, Lee Brandt, for their leadership and partnership in this initiative.

If you would like to work with your local law enforcement department on a similar initiative, please  contact SALDEF.

Further information about the SALDEF Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP) can be found here.

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SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program Applications Due August 4th – APPLY Today!

SALDEF is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP)! LDP is a two-part program designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

The program brings together approximately 16 young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day). Participation in both weekends is mandatory and as well as the reading assigned prior to the weekend sessions. A series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions promote personal growth, develop leadership and build community empowerment skills.

For more information, click here! To apply now, click here!

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TSA Officers and Screeners Successfully Trained in Chelsea, MA

On June 25th SALDEF Northeast Regional Director, Jaswant Chani conducted a Sikh awareness training for over two-dozen members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) office in Chelsea, MA.  The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground. This is a continuation of the partnership of several years that SALDEF has had with TSA to train their officers across the Northeast under our Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP).

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SALDEF Participates in Hate Crimes Prevention Forum in Daytona Beach, FL

Members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as civil rights and other community organizations gathered  at the Daytona State College to discuss hate crime prevention. SALDEF Southeast Regional Director, Navtej Singh, participated in this forum and specifically spoke to the challenges and disproportionate number of Sikhs that face issues around discrimination and escalated violence.  The catalyst to this event was the recent suspected hate crime on a Port Orange, FL., Sikh man who was shot in February while driving with his teenage son.

Mr. Singh stressed the importance of introducing hate crime prevention education in schools. “Hate is learned, be it from the home, school or peer groups. Hate is taught by others. We are not born with hate. We can reach and teach understanding and tolerance in our schools. That seems the logical starting point in addressing and eradicating potential hate in its infancy,” he said.

The over 100 attendees and panelists included representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, local law-enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil-rights, other community organizations and many concerned citizens.

To donate to the Singh Family Fund, visit: http://www.dvnetwork.org/projects/kanwaljit-singh-family-fund

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SALDEF Advocates for Safe Schools

SALDEF Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, joined with our coalition partners from the National Safe School Partnership on visits to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). The SSIA will require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. No such federal law or policy exists that requires schools to adopt policies to address bullying and harassment.

TAKE ACTION and tell your congressman to support the Act!

SALDEF also attended the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights launch of their new bullying prevention initiative, RFK Project SEATBELT.  Visit their website to learn how to create the conditions at home, at school, and in the community so that treating everyone with respect becomes the norm.

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Orange County,CA High School Youth Learn About Sikhs

On June 5th, SALDEF participated in an Interfaith religious panel at Laguna Hills High School, along with panelists from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Mormon, and Muslim communities. The panelists provided insightful perspectives on various spiritual and religious paths. Community Relations Associate, Birpal Kaur, presented on the Sikh faith to over 100 high school seniors, who had prepared questions on theology, religious practices, and interfaith efforts, and educated the students about misconceptions and the core beliefs within Sikhism. Members of the faculty and school board representatives were also in attendance in support of this annual panel to bring different perspectives of faith to the graduating students, all of whom received SALDEF resources. SALDEF is appreciative of Laguna Hills High School for inviting our representatives to speak for the last three years.

If you would like to coordinate a presentation at your high school, or in your local community, please contact us.

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SALDEF Participates in Diversity Event in Los Angeles, CA.

On June 11th, SALDEF was invited to participate in a diversity event hosted by the law firm Latham & Watkins, LLP. The event was aimed at providing a space for advocacy organizations that represent issues of civil rights and liberties for various minority communities to share their work and connect with staff and attorneys working for Latham.  This event provided a unique opportunity for SALDEF to share details on experiences of discrimination with Sikh Americans, the response, and where assistance from an attorney is needed. Participating organizations included the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA).

Special thank you to Leadership Development Program Alumni, Gurlene Kocher with Latham & Watkins for coordinating and facilitating the event.

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SALDEF Educates Students on Sikhism via Interfaith Summer Program

On June 17th, SALDEF Western Regional Director, Bhupinder Kaur, participated in the Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative, a three day summer program geared towards high school students to learn about various religions.  As a continued partner of the program, this is the third year that SALDEF has participated. The student participants experienced a tour of a gurdwara and a full presentation on Sikhs.  Students learned about the origins of the faith, issues that are currently faced by Sikhs, and Sikhs as part of the American fabric which also lead to a very interactive question and answer session. Students were also educated about the Guru Granth Sahib, and were given the opportunity to participate in langar.

A special thank you to New Visions Partnership for their continued partnership and investment of education for the youth. If you would like to coordinate a presentation at your high school, or in your local community, please contact us.

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SALDEF Presents to Visiting Summer Interns in Washington D.C.

On June 26th, SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh was invited to address 150 summer interns from around the country on the topic of hate violence.  The event was held at the US Capitol building and organized by the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL).  Interns learned about the unique challenges of the Sikh American community and the progress that has been made in by the community over the past decade.  A lively question and answer session concluded the presentation which included additional topics of activism and trends in violence towards minority groups.  The event was also attended by SikhLEAD interns.  Click here to meet this summer’s class.

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5Rivers Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for High School Students

The 5Rivers Scholarship Program provides financial support to Sikh students who are motivated to pursue higher education opportunities but lack the financial resources to get there. The 5Rivers Scholarship Program works with a network of Sikh community organizations to identify candidates and provide additional support and resources to ensure the award recipients have ongoing academic, spiritual and personal support, as well as opportunities to deepen their connections within and beyond their community.  A second program, the SAT Grant Program, helps Sikh students strengthen their college application by covering SAT preparation course fees for eligible students who cannot afford the test on their own.

SALDEF encourages all eligible Sikh youth to apply. For more information, please click here.

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• July 25th – LEAP Leadership Awards Gala – Los Angeles, CA
• July 31st –  MBTA Police Academy Training – Braintree, MA
• August 5th – TSA Training – Chelsea, MA
• October 12th – 2013 SALDEF National Gala – Washington D.C.

Henna Trewn – House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce

Henna is a rising senior at the University of California, Berkeley studying Political Economy with a focus on Energy and Resource Studies. She is interested in domestic resource issues as well as rural energy development, particularly in India. Over the past two years, she has managed an undergraduate-graduate mentorship program and student-run course on graduate school preparation. She has also interned with the local government in Berkeley, and participated in discussions on international affairs with her professional Foreign Service fraternity. Most recently, Henna interned at the California Energy Commission. She took what she learned at the Commission to her current internship with the Democratic Staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce in Washington, D.C. Her passions outside of energy policy include creative writing, Joss Whedon (especially the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series), and Paper Mario video games.

Sumeet Kaur – Senator Chris Coons

Sumeet is entering her senior year at the George Washington University as an International Relations major. Her academic and personal life has been heavily focused on human rights and development issues. As a member and current president of the GW Sikh Student Association, Sumeet strives to promote Sikhism in the GW community and in the DC area. She will be interning for Senator Chris Coons this summer, where she hopes to learn more about policymaking and African affairs through his experience as the Chairman of the African Affairs Subcommittee. Sumeet is originally from Centerville, MA. In her spare time, Sumeet enjoys writing poetry, cooking, and going on adventures.

Ravneet Kaur – Representative Ami Bera

Ravneet is a rising junior at the University of California, Davis double majoring in Economics and International Relations. She is a member of the Dean’s Honor List and has previously interned for Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer. In addition to being a Liberal Arts and Business Peer Advisor, she is a Public Policy research intern for the UC Davis Center for Poverty Research. Ravneet values public service and as Vice President of Project Planning for Global Human Rights Brigade, last summer she participated in a week long brigade in rural Panama to help underserved communities. She also attends local Sikh camps and serves as a mentor for young Sikhs. This summer, Ravneet will be interning for Representative Ami Bera in Washington, DC. She hopes to pursue a career in international development after graduation

Mandeep Singh – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Mandeep is a rising junior at Columbia University. He is majoring in Urban Studies (with a specialization in Political Science) and Business Management. During this summer, he will be interning for the Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office. Mandeep is the president of Columbia University Sewa, an organization based on the universal values of community service, social justice and equality. Originally from New York, Mandeep is a community organizer with SEVA NY and a youth member of the Richmond Hill Democratic Club. In addition, he is a graduate of SALDEF’s Leadership Development Program and is an alumnus of the Young People For Fellowship. In his spare time, Mandeep enjoys singing, dancing whenever he is given the chance, and exploring various styles in fashion.

Guneet Kaur – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Guneet is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is majoring in Health Policy and Management. She has was born and raised in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and has been actively involved in the local Sikh community for many years. She has participated in various community outreach initiatives and has been involved in organizing an annual blood drive at the gurdwara for the past 4 years.  At school, she is involved with volunteering at UNC Hospitals and at a student-run health clinic. This summer through her internship at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Guneet hopes to gain experience in examining ways to prevent workplace discrimination, an issue that not only affects the Sikh community, but many others as well.  During her spare time, she enjoys reading, making greeting cards, taking walks, and practicing keertan.

Manjot Singh – Department of Justice, Community Relations Service

Manjot is a rising junior at the University of California, Los Angeles and is majoring in Global Studies. Manjot is the External Affairs director of the Sikh Student Association at UCLA and is involved in a number of organizations around campus. He writes for the Daily Bruin and participates in a weekly spoken word event called “The Word on Wednesdays” as part of the Cultural Affairs Commission. He is in the process of starting his own magazine on campus. This summer, while interning with the Department of Justice, Community Relations Service, he hopes to garner a deeper and more realistic look of what it means to be a social activist in one’s own community and at large, and learn how to approach minority marginalization. From Valencia, California, Manjot Singh likes wearing highlighter colored turbans and kurtas around UCLA’s campus. He is a strong advocate for vegetarianism and enjoys collecting coffee beans from around the world.

Gagan Singh – SALDEF, Communications and Media Intern

Gagan is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County majoring in English Literature and minoring in Communications and Technology and Medieval and Early Modern Studies. She is the humanities editor of UMBC’s undergraduate research journal, The UMBC Review and is also a Humanities Scholar and part of the Honors College. She is actively involved with the Sikh community in Maryland through youth discussion classes, events at her gurdwara and helping organize a youth camp. This summer, Gagan is the Communications and Media intern for SALDEF. She is hoping to apply the skills she learned in SikhLEAD’s Leadership Development Program to advocate for the Sikh American community and provide social justice among all communities. She enjoys creative outlets such as painting, writing and cooking and is always ready for the next cup of coffee.

Nimita Uberoi – Smithsonian, Asian Pacific American Center

Nimita is a rising junior at Brown University concentrating in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Nimita is involved in various activities on campus, such as the Women’s Varsity Tennis team and co-anchor of “Bearly News” (Brown’s satirical news show). She is also president of the Sikh Students Association, Public Relations Officer for her Class Board, and Secretary of the South Asian Students Association. Nimita also volunteers at a local Hindi Sunday School in Providence. In her spare time Nimita enjoys watching the TV show “Bones,” part of her motivation to intern at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center this summer. Additionally, she enjoys making her own ice cream, attempting to cook, and travelling.

Harjit Singh – Representative Judy Chu

Harjit is a fourth year Astrophysics and Geophysics major at the University of California, Berkeley. This past year, he was the Executive Director of UC Berkeley’s Sikh Students Association and organized many Sikh related events on campus, such as Sikh Turban Day, Kaur Voices, and a youth mentorship program called Big Khalsa Little Khalsa. He grew up in Yuba City, CA where he has seen and experienced the struggles faced by Sikh Americans in this large Sikh community. Harjit will be interning for Congresswoman Judy Chu. He is hoping to integrate his passion for science education with his experience on Capitol Hill to become an advocate for science. In his spare time, Harjit enjoys hiking, running, and performing arts.

Keep up with the interns’ summer experience by reading their blog posts here!

“LDP was an amazing experience. It gave me an opportunity to share and build relationships with other individuals who share the same passion as myself for the Sikh Community, for the American Community and humanity as a whole. I plan to build powerful relations with my fellow LDPers and change the world.”

“Words truly cannot describe how truly life changing this weekend has been for me. I found answers to questions that I had found myself asking years before this experience. So extremely thankful for finding Sangat and understanding its true meaning and power.”

– 2012 Leadership Development Program Participants

SALDEF is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP)! LDP is a two-part program designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

The program brings together approximately 16 young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day). Participation in both weekends is mandatory and as well as the reading assigned prior to the weekend sessions. A series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions promote personal growth, develop leadership and build community empowerment skills.

This program is an investment in building the next generation of Sikh American leaders as they recognize their power, explore their true potential and build a network with like-minded achievers.

WATCH: Slideshow of 2012 LDP 2nd class held in Washington, DC

WATCH: Slideshow of 2011 LDP Inaugural class held in Los Angeles, CA

Click here for the application

Part I of the training will be held in Washington, DC from October 11-14, 2013 and Part II will be held in Los Angeles, CA from May 23-26, 2014.  The program fee of $250 covers roundtrip airfares (to Washington, DC and Los Angeles), lodging, food and program materials for both parts of the LDP program.  Limited need-based financial assistance is available. The application deadline is Sunday, August 4th, 2013.

Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

The Voting Rights Act is especially significant for Sikh Americans. In a historic case before the United States Supreme Court in 1923, the Court held that Bhagat Singh Thind, a Sikh American from Oregon, could not become a citizen and thus, could not vote.

Although Bhagat Singh Thind was denied his right to vote, we have made significant strides in ensuring our community’s voice is heard. Last year, SALDEF launched SikhVOTE, a program created to encourage Sikh Americans to vote in the election. We stand firm in the belief that no American should have their voice silenced.

The Supreme Court decision also gives Congress authority to enact a new formula that ensures no one is denied the right to vote. We urge congress to act quickly to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act. We want you to do the same. Don’t let your voice be stifled. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, tell your representatives they must defend our voting rights.

TAKE ACTION and tell your members of Congress in the House and Senate to Support Voting Rights for all Americans!

Support Kanwaljit Singh and His Family
As reported last month, since his hate crime attack three months ago, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh and his family, including his wife and two children, have suffered from significant financial problems.  Due to Mr. Singh’s medical condition, he is unable to return to work at his convenience store.  The family is behind in paying utility bills and purchasing inventory to keep the store open.  They are in serious risk of losing their business, barely two months after it first opened, because of this violent, senseless, and terrifying attack.

We humbly request your support in assisting the family during this financially and psychologically distressing time. Thanks to the efforts of the Dasvandh Network, online donations are now accepted for the Singh family, by visiting http://www.dvnetwork.org/projects/kanwaljit-singh-family-fund.  Additionally, the One Nation Fund has graciously agreed to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000, so please donate now.

SALDEF Job Announcement – Communications Director
SALDEF is seeking a Communications Director to lead media related efforts for the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization. The preferred applicant will have experience in managing media relations and contacts, conducting news conferences, developing media strategies and pitching stories.  Additionally, this position requires the management of SALDEF’s social media sites, the ability to write, produce and edit community and national advisories, and coordinate the scheduling of advertising for media and event programs. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three years of relevant experience; demonstrated experience in public relations, journalism, civil liberties law, or a related field requiring significant writing and public relations duties.

If interested, please click here for more information and the application process. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

SALDEF Invited to Speak at Georgetown Panel on Religious Freedom
On May 30, SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, was invited to serve as a panelist for the “Many Faiths, One America” conference sponsored by the Religious Freedom Project at Georgetown University and the Ethics and Public Policy Center’s American Religious Freedom Program. Sitting on a panel entitled, “Threats to Religious Freedom in the US & Europe: Concerns of Majority and Minority Communities,” Jasjit spoke to the audience, made up of religious scholars and leaders, about practices, laws and attitudes that contribute to the suppression of faith in the US and abroad. Joining Jasjit on the panel was Hannah Smith of the Becket Fund, Roger Trigg of Oxford University and David Little of Harvard University. The event was nationally televised on CSPAN. Click here to watch the full panel.

SALDEF Presents to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Michigan
On May 22, SALDEF legal volunteers, Dalpreet Saluja and Nick Talwar, presented to the entire staff of the EEOC District Office in Detroit, MI.  The roughly 50 participants in attendance were comprised of investigators, attorneys, support staff and management.  The presentation provided basic information about Sikh beliefs and practices, Sikh American demographics, and common misperceptions about Sikhs and Sikhism. SALDEF staff discussed the various employment related challenges faced by the Sikh American community and shared examples of cases from different industries and professions. SALDEF would like to thank Dalpreet and Nick for volunteering their time and giving this important presentation.

To read about out past trainings with the EEOC, please click here.

SALDEF Provides Training for 200 Members of LAPD
On May 7, SALDEF arranged a first-of-its-kind training for the Los Angeles Police Department, Counter Terrorism Bureau (LAPD CTB) as part of our Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP).  SALDEF was invited to conduct the training for roughly 200 members of the LAPD CTB.  Topics discussed during the 90-minute presentation included, an introduction to Sikhism and Sikh Americans, hate crimes and their effect on the community, specifically in Los Angeles County. The training concluded by allowing  participants the opportunity to address specific questions and concerns they had about appropriate and respectful ways to interact with Sikh community members. SALDEF would like to thank local advocate Niranjan Singh Khalsa for conducting this training.

SALDEF and Oak Creek Community Members Invited to APAICS Gala Featuring Vice President Joe Biden
On May 8, SALDEF staff members were joined by Oak Creek Community members, Kanwardeep Kaleka and Dr. Harcharan Gill, at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Annual Gala. Vice President, Joe Biden, was the featured guest of the evening.  He met privately with Mr. Kaleka and Dr. Gill before the gala began to share his condolences about the Oak Creek tragedy.

SALDEF Welcomes Hate Crime Charge in California Attack
On May 5, Piara Singh was brutally assaulted as he was leaving the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Southwest Fresno. The assailant attacked Mr. Singh with a steel pipe leaving him with a fractured jaw, punctured lung, and head injuries. Mr. Singh has been released from the hospital and is recovering at his home. SALDEF has been in contact with the Fresno County Chief of Police and was pleased to learn Mr. Singh’s attacker has been charged with a hate crime by the District Attorney Click here to read more about this attack.

SALDEF Provides Invocation Prayer at National Civil Rights Events
SALDEF was asked to provide the opening invocation at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award Dinner.  On May 2, Executive Director Jasjit Singh read an excerpt from the Guru Granth Sahib offering a prayer for the welfare of humanity to the over 1,500 people in attendance, which included elected officials, civil rights advocates and community leaders from around the country

Apply Now– The Association of Sikh Professional Offering Scholarships
The Association of Sikh Professionals is offering a scholarship to college going students, ranging anywhere from $400 to $4000 per year. Awards are in the form of scholarships, grants through endowments, and interest-free loans for which repayment is expected after graduation. Financial need is taken into consideration, as well as academic ability and involvement in Sikh activities. All applicants must be attending or should have been admitted to an accredited course of study. Applications must go through the application form available here. Deadline is June 28, 2013 for re-applicants. Results will be announced by early September.  SALDEF encourages interested parties to apply.. For more information please visit ASP website at http://www.associationofsikhprofessionals.org/appforms/

TAKE ACTION:
Tell Your Senators to End Racial Profiling!
Tell Your Congressmen to Support Safe Schools!

Upcoming Events:

• June 17th – Presentation to Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative, Los Angeles, CA

• July 19th – Presentation at OCA National Conference, Washington DC •

• July 23rd – Meet the SikhLEAD Interns, Washington DC

• Oct 12th – SALDEF 2013 National Gala, Washington DC

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Manage media relations, maintain the media contacts database, prepare press releases and conduct news  conferences. Develop media strategies, pitch stories and draft op-ed pieces
•    Establish a community-wide crisis communication plan
•    Identify, train, and support community spokespersons to effectively engage with media
•    Respond to press calls and develop talking points or quotes
•    Manage content for SALDEF’s social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
•    Produce and coordinate the scheduling of advertising for media and event programs
•    Write, produce and edit newsletters and community advisories
•    Write, produce and edit SALDEF publications, resources, and annual report

QUALIFICATIONS

•    Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of relevant experience
•    Demonstrated experience in public relations, journalism, civil liberties law, or a related field requiring significant writing and public relations duties
•    Demonstrated experience working in a multi-disciplinary team setting to develop communications strategy
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate complex and controversial issues and to convey information about the issues to both narrow and broad audiences
•    Experience working in Sikh American or South Asian communities is preferred
•    Must work well in a team environment
•    Strong verbal and written, communication, and interpersonal skills
•    Must demonstrate tact and grace under pressure
•    Exceptional research, analytical, writing and editing skills with working knowledge of the production of printed  publications, including layout and graphic design
•    Outstanding skills in cultivating contacts in the news media and overseeing the press contact database, as well as responding to press inquiries
•    Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
•    Willingness to travel
•    Location: SALDEF’s National Office in Washington, DC or remotely from New York. Note that working from New York will require frequent travel to Washington, DC.

COMPENSATION

SALDEF offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send a cover letter (include salary requirements), resume, a list of three references, and a writing sample by email to Click here to email or fax to 202-318-3344.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

NOTE: This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. SALDEF reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

On May 27, 2013, SALDEF successfully concluded its second Leadership Development Program (LDP) cohort, under its ground-breaking SikhLEAD youth development initiative.  The program selected 17 talented and accomplished young Sikh Americans from around the country for 6 days of intensive leadership training, professional development and advocacy training.

The program spanned two weekends, the first in Washington, DC in October and the second in Los Angeles, CA in May.  The latter of these weekends focused on providing the participants with “tools for change” including an understanding of how to influence policy makers, organize communities, and leverage media to positively impact the Sikh community.

See Slideshow of Pictures

“We are proud of our graduates and excited to have them move our community forward,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director. “They will play a great role in strengthening SikhLEAD and building our network of emerging Sikh American leaders.”

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh American leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The purpose of this program is to empower Sikh American youth in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

Read about the first SikhLEAD LDP class

SALDEF is indebted to many who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the program:

•    Honorable Judy Chu; US House of Representatives (CA-27)
•    Dr. Varun Soni; Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California
•    Sujata Tejwani; Director of Political Leadership Project, Wellstone Action
•    Dr. Jaideep Singh; Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CSU East Bay/ SALDEF Co-Founder

LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the sponsors below. We would also like to thank the University of Southern California Office of Religious Life for hosting the event and to the district office of Congresswoman Chu for their assistance.  If you would like to support SikhLEAD, click here.

Applications for the next class will be available at SikhLEAD.org soon!

“We welcome this decision from the APB to separately track and report hate crimes against the Sikh, Arab and Hindu American communities,” said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “Our communities have disproportionately faced senseless violence motivated by hate in recent years. We look forward to continuing our work with the FBI and to provide them with the resources and training necessary to ensure accurate reporting of hate crimes committed against Sikhs.”

SALDEF first approached the FBI in 2010 requesting the inclusion of Sikhs in their hate crime reporting form and continued advocating for this change in meetings with congressional leaders and local and federal law enforcement leaders, through our work in civil rights coalitions, and with FBI Director Mueller himself.

The new FBI hate crime reporting form incorporating Sikh, Arab and Hindu categories will be implemented in 2015. SALDEF will work with the FBI to ensure effective implementation of these recommendations and also continue to offer services such as cultural competency training through its Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP) to ensure law enforcement officers are able to effectively utilize the updated form.

SALDEF would like to recognize the support of the Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman David Valado and the entire American Sikh Congressional Caucus, the tireless efforts and leadership of our colleagues at the Sikh Coalition, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), UNITED SIKHS, Groundswell and South Asians Americans Leading Together (SAALT), for working to get this policy change completed.

Racial profiling allows Sikh Americans and others to be singled out for questioning, detention, and other law enforcement activities based on their religion or ethnicity rather than their individual behavior.

The End Racial Profiling Act will:

•    Prohibit racial profiling by any law enforcement agent or law enforcement agency
•    Require training on racial profiling issues as part of law enforcement training
•    Allow the community to know if law enforcement is engaging in racial profiling
•    Improve the response to incidents of racial profiling

Take a stand against racial profiling and urge your Senators to take action. Write to your Senators today to urge them to co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act!

Personalize your letter to make it even more effective. Tell your Congressmen that putting an end to racial and religious profiling is important to you!

SAY THANK YOU: House Appropriations Committee Passes Racial Profiling Amendment

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill and Report which included an amendment by Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), requiring an investigation into racial or religious profiling by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Click here to say thank you to Rep. Mike Honda and the House Appropriations Committee chairman, Rep. John Carter (R-TX) for proposing this amendment.

STAY TUNED: Racial Profiling in Immigration Reform

Next month, as the immigration debate continues, we will need your help in telling your Congressmen to support a prohibition on racial profiling that includes religion and national origin and does not have loopholes for border security and national security.

• SALDEF Executive Director Participates in National Panel on Race and Religion
• California School Administrators and Principals Learn About Sikh Identity
• SALDEF Presents to International Delegation
• SALDEF Continues to Support Florida Shooting Victim; Community Urged to Donate
• SALDEF Participates at UC Berkeley Interfaith Conference
• SALDEF Executive Director Speaks at South Asian Summit
• SALDEF provides Invocation Prayer at National Civil Rights Gala
• TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Congressmen to Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act
• Upcoming Events

On April 22, Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, participated in the Aspen Institute’s Symposium on the State of Race in America. Jasjit participated on a panel titled The Impact of Faith-based Communities on Race Relations. The panel focused on the idea that religious institutions have played an important role in race issues since the 1960’s and religious leaders today are taking platforms on issues like immigration and inequality. How citizens view their faith and are practicing it continues to serve as a catalyst for the major changes that are happening in society.  The panel addressed the question of what type of involvement should religious institutions have in advancing the cause for improved race relations.  To watch this panel click here.

On April 30th, SALDEF Western Regional Director, Bhupinder Kaur, conducted a presentation to the Jurupa County School Board including the school board superintendent and approximately 65 principals and administrators of all the schools in the district. This presentation follows a successful partnership with the Jurupa County School Board in which they made a policy change allowing Sikh Students to wear their kirpans to school. This policy revision is the result of many months of advocacy, partnership and engagement with the Jurupa School District to first explain the significance of the kirpan, ensure that safety would be paramount, and to finally develop an accommodation policy.

Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, met with Mr. Kanwaljit Singh and his family in Port Orange, Florida. Mr. Kanwaljit Singh was shot and injured in a drive-by shooting on February 23, 2013.  Jasjit also met with the Port Orange Chief of Police to get information regarding the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and local law enforcement continue to investigate the incident and have released information about the missing suspect truck: S-10 or GMC Sonoma-style truck, single-cab, dark blue or black truck with a license plate and Ford decal or emblem on the right rear bumper. Since the purported hate crime attack, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh and his family, including his wife and two children, have suffered from significant financial problems, due to Mr. Singh’s medical condition, he is unable to return to work at his convenience store.

On April 12th, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh participated on a panel at the University of California Berkeley Interfaith Conference. The event was co-hosted by the Sikh Student Association, Hindu Student Council, and Muslim Student Association to educate students about South Asian religious minorities on campus, the similar issues we all face, and possible ways to address these issues.  Mr. Singh was joined on the panel by representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Hindu America Foundation (HAF).  Engaging with the roughly two-dozen attendees, Mr. Singh spoke on the current social and political climate faced by Sikh Americans, how race and religion intersect with each other, how the attacks of 9/11 changed the concept of what it means to be American, and how SALDEF and the community are addressing current challenges.  SALDEF would like to thank the UCB SSA for asking us to participate and represent the Sikh American voice on the panel and all the organizers of this great campus wide initiative.

Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, was invited to participate in a panel at the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) South Asian Summit. The panel, titled, Law Enforcement in the Community: Exploring Multiple Strategies for Engagement, focused on how South Asian communities have had a complicated relationship with law enforcement, particularly in the aftermath of September 11th. For example, some law enforcement agencies base their policing efforts on stereotypes of the community while others seek to become more culturally competent when engaging with South Asians.  The panel explored multiple strategies used by the South Asian community with law enforcement, including education and training, advocacy, and organizing. Fellow panelists included representatives from Desis Rising Up & Moving (DRUM), the Safe Nation Collaborative, and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

On April 30, Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, provided the opening interfaith invocation at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) 100th anniversary Gala. Jasjit read an excerpt from the Guru Granth Sahib offering a prayer for the welfare of humanity to the over 1,500 guests in attendance.

On February 23, 2013, Mr. Singh had just closed the convenience store he recently purchased and was traveling home with his 13-year-old son when a truck pulled up beside them.  The individual(s) in the truck opened fire on Mr. Singh and his son, spraying bullets into their vehicle.  Mr. Singh sustained gunshot wounds in his thigh and torso.

Read: Sikh Victim of Possible Hate Crime In Port Orange, recovering (Daytona Beach News Journal)

The person or people who attacked Mr. Singh have yet to be apprehended.  The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and local law enforcement continue to investigate the incident and have released information about the missing suspect truck: S-10 or GMC Sonoma-style truck, single-cab, dark blue or black truck with a license plate and Ford decal or emblem on the right rear bumper.

SALDEF and Sikh Coalition have connected with the Police Chief and family and have worked with the Department of Justice Community Relation Service to coordinate a Hate Crimes Prevention event which took place on May 8th.

Read: Florida Sikh Shot While Driving
Watch:  Group rallies behind man shot in hate crime (NBC-Orlando)

Donate today and help Kanwaljit Singh and his family get back on their feet.

Since the purported hate crime attack, Mr. Singh and his family, including his wife and two children, have suffered from significant financial problems.  Due to Mr. Singh’s medical condition, he is unable to return to work at his convenience store.  The family is behind in paying utility bills and purchasing inventory to keep the store open.  They are in serious risk of losing their business, barely two months after it first opened, because of this violent, senseless, and terrifying attack.

We humbly request your support in assisting this family during this financially and psychologically distressing time, in the true Sikh spirit of seva. You may financially support Mr. Singh and his family by writing checks made payable to Mr. Kanwaljit Singh and mailing them to:

Mr. Kanwaljit Singh
c/o Sikh Society of Central Florida
2527 W. State Road 426
Oviedo, FL 32765
(Note that contributions are NOT tax deductible)

You can also help local authorities catch the perpetrator(s) of this crime by contributing to the Crimestoppers fund.  The fund gives reward money to citizens for tips which help with the investigation.   Contact the Executive Director of Crimestoppers, Alyson Durrance at 386-212-6543 to make a financial contribution on behalf of Mr. Kanwaljit Singh.

Every donation, in any amount, is meaningful and can make a difference.  Thank you for your seva.

May 8, 2013 (Washington D.C.) — On Sunday, May 5 2013, Piara Singh was brutally assaulted as he was leaving the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Southwest Fresno. The assailant attacked Mr. Singh with a steel pipe leaving him with a fractured jaw, punctured lung, and head injuries.  Mr. Singh is currently convalescing in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery

READ/WATCH: Sikh man beaten with steel pipe in Fresno hate crime

Yesterday, a community meeting took place at the Gurdwara and was attended by local community members as well the Fresno Chief of Police, Jerry Dyer.  During the meeting, Chief Dyer provided updates on the case and explained that this crime leads to only one conclusion; “Mr. Singh was targeted because of who he was, what he was wearing, his ethnicity, his religion.”  A suspect has been identified and arrested; he is being charged with attempted murder and will likely be charged with a hate crime and elder abuse.

Mark Cullers, Chief of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Fresno, also commented on the incident at the meeting and indicated that the U.S. Attorney’s office was in the process of investigating the incident under the Federal hate crimes statute and would be working closely with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that the suspect was charged appropriately.

Following comments by law enforcement, members of the Sikh community questioned Chief Dyer and Mr. Cullers, who both reassured the attendees that the incident would not be taken lightly.

SALDEF will continue to remain engaged with the local community and law enforcement through our staff and local representatives, and work to ensure hate crime charges are brought against the suspect.

“I look forward to working closely with you to educate citizens about the Sikh community,” said Chief Dyer to SALDEF. “Sikhs are peace loving, hard working and community minded…I promise to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sikh community in our efforts against hate crimes.”

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. In all emergency situations, please contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

April 25, 2013 (Washington, DC) – History was made yesterday as Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and Representative David Valadao (R-CA) announced the launch of the first-ever American Sikh Congressional Caucus.

Representatives Chu and Valadao are the Co-Chairs of the Caucus.  As of yesterday’s launch, 30 bipartisan Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have already joined the Caucus.

The purpose of the Caucus is to educate Members of Congress and the general public about Sikh American issues.  It will also allow Members to strategize on how to support the Sikh American community.

Addressing Sikh community leaders, Members of Congress, and journalists on Capitol Hill yesterday, Congresswoman Chu said, “Today marks the day when Sikh Americans will finally have a unified voice to advocate for them in the United States House of Representatives. This bipartisan caucus, made up of members from California to Virginia, from New Jersey to Arizona, will stand by your side, and fight for you.”

Chu continued, “More than a decade after 9/11, too many Sikhs across America face discrimination, bullying, and even bias-motivated violence from misguided individuals associating them with the terrorist attacks.” Citing the American founding principles of religious freedom, acceptance and tolerance, Chu hoped that the newly formed American Sikh Congressional Caucus for Sikh Americans “will finally have a united bipartisan voice in Congress.”

Congressman Valadao noted, “The Central Valley is home to more than 25,000 Sikhs, the largest population in the United States. Just in my district, California’s 21st congressional district, there are at least seven Gurdwaras,” adding, “I am excited and honored that I will be able to represent the Sikh community in Washington and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to address the unique issues this community faces.”

While Sikhs have contributed greatly to our nation’s prosperity, they do face challenges to the enjoyment of their rights. Although Sikhs have served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces in both World Wars, Vietnam and most recently in Afghanistan, Sikhs are not presumptively permitted to join the U.S. Armed Forces because of restrictive appearance regulations.

Similarly, in the aftermath of September 11th, Sikh Americans have experienced a sharp rise in incidents of bias-motivated violence and bullying. The Associated Press reported that more than 700 such incidents took place in the U.S. over the last decade. Surveys have also found that up to three out of every four Sikh boys in the United States are bullied due to their appearance. The shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin last year is a tragic example of why Congress must focus on Sikh American issues.

The effort to create the Caucus was spearheaded by community members Harpreet Sandhu and Dr. Pritpal Singh from California. Sikh organizations SALDEF, Sikh Coalition and UNITED SIKHS, worked together to increase Congressional support for the Caucus. Sikh Americans and Sikh organizations are hopeful that the Caucus will serve as a platform for better engagement with the United States Congress.

Current Members of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus are listed below. If you do not see your Member of Congress listed as a member of the Caucus, please email or call us so that we can work with you to secure their participation in the Caucus.

Current Members of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus as of April 25, 2013

Democrats
Rep. Judy Chu
Rep. Karen Bass
Rep. Ami Bera
Rep. Gerry Connolly
Rep. John Conyers Jr.
Rep. Jim Costa
Rep. John Garamendi
Rep. Raul Grijalva
Rep. Rush Holt
Rep. Mike Honda
Rep. Hank Johnson
Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Rep. Carolyn Maloney
Rep. Doris Matsui
Rep. Jerry McNerney
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Frank Pallone
Rep. Bill Pascrell
Rep. Gary Peters
Rep. Jan Schakowsky
Rep. Jackie Speier
Rep. Chris Van Hollen

Republicans
Rep. David Valadao
Rep. Jeff Denham
Rep. Joe Heck
Rep. Doug LaMalfa
Rep. Devin Nunes
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Rep. Tom McClintock
Rep. Pat Meehan

The Safe School Improvement Act (SSIA) was re-introduced into the House (H.R. 1199) and Senate (S.403) earlier this year. Send a message to your Congressmen urging them to co-sponsor this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support.

This landmark legislation aims to require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. No such federal law or policy exists that requires schools to adopt policies to address bullying and harassment. Existing state laws vary greatly in their reach and effectiveness. The SSIA would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education.

Take Action: Tell your Congressmen to Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!

Why is SSIA important to You? This bill is particularly important Sikh Americans because Sikh students are, unfortunately, all too familiar with incidences of bullying and harassment. SALDEF recently conducted a Sikh American Youth Bullying Survey in Southern California which revealed that over half of the Sikh American students surveyed have been bullied or harassed more than once and one third of the students having been threatened with physical violence or harm. No student should have to fear going to school. Students forced to endure bullying and harassment at school are at high risk for, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and losing their Sikh identity.

Take Action: Tell your Congressmen to Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!

According to the police report, on October 17, 2012, defendant Jamie W. Larson began attacking the cab driver after asking him why he was wearing a turban.  The report indicates that during the assault, Larson pulled out parts of the driver’s beard and punched him repeatedly, leaving him disoriented and with a loose tooth.

READ: Man charged with hate crime in brutal assault on Sikh cab driver

After learning of this hate crime last year, SALDEF reached out to the Federal Way Police Department to applaud the manner in which the crime was investigated and the police department’s recommendation that the attacker be charged with a hate crime.  Subsequently, Larson was charged by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office with malicious harassment under Washington’s hate crime statute.

READ: SALDEF Applauds Police Action and Prosecuting Attorney’s Hate Crime Prosecution

King County prosecutors dismissed those charges in hopes that Larson would get a longer prison term under federal law. This new charge, brought under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal law that criminalizes attacks based on a person’s actual or perceived race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, in addition to several other factors, carries a significant prison sentence. If convicted, Larson could face ten years in prison.  This is the first time that federal hate crime charges have been brought under this act for a hate crime in which the victim was Sikh.

“We are pleased to learn that charges have been brought under the federal hate crimes act against the attacker in this brutal crime. This hate crime has impacted not only the victim, but the entire Sikh American community and we look forward to seeing the attacker brought to justice” said SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh.

Through outreach with the FWPD, SALDEF has provided Sikh awareness materials to the local police department as well as to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – the law enforcement group that educates and trains all officers in the state of Washington.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

SALDEF applauds the Green Bay Police Department for apprehending the suspect, James Parrish, and the Brown County District Attorney’s Office for charging him with a hate crime.

According to the police report, Parrish stated that he was going to “burn [the] place down.” He also stated that he set the register on fire “to get them the hell out of Wisconsin.” Prior to this incident, Parrish had called himself a “freedom fighter” and made comments about his desire to “round up terrorists.”

READ/WATCH: Parrish Charged With a Hate Crime

“In just the past two weeks, this is the second reported hate crime against a Sikh American,” said SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh. “It’s important to the victims of such crimes and to the Sikh community that perpetrators of hate crimes are charged accordingly and brought to justice. We thank the Green Bay Police Department and the Brown County District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and look forward to the hate crime conviction of this defendant.”

SEE: Florida Sikh American Shot While Driving

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

You can read more about Gurpreet, by visiting the following links:

VIDEO: Meet Gurpreet Singh Sarin – American Idol Top 40 (Youtube)

ARTICLE: Gurpreet Sarin on Singing His Way Past Stereotypes

Last night, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Gurpreet performed as part of the final 20 male contestants in the competition. Although Gurpreet was not selected to join the final 10, his performances and the exploration of his background throughout the season, were a landmark achievement for him and the Sikh American community as whole.

“Being on American Idol was an amazing experience that I will never forget”, said Gurpreet.  “I am so thankful to the show and the judges for the opportunity they gave me to pursue my dream.  This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support and inspiration I gained from my family, friends, and the SikhLEAD program as well as all of my online supporters and #Singhers.”

VIDEO: Gurpreet’s Farewell message to viewers of American Idol (Youtube)

ARTICLE: Interview with American Idol’s “Turbanator” Gurpreet Singh Sarin (Sikh24)

SALDEF Board Member, Kavneet Singh, stated that, “We are very proud of Gurpreet for his outstanding performances and the way he represented himself and the Sikh community.  Beyond showcasing his remarkable talent, Gurpreet exhibited great humility, passion for his craft, and served as an inspiration to the community; all while being visibly identifiable as a Sikh and spreading awareness about the Sikh identity to millions of Americans across the country. We are elated by his success, and extend our continued best wishes in all his future endeavors.”

Gurpreet is a 22-year old student at the University of Maryland, pursuing a degree in Computer and Information Science, and will be graduating this coming May.  He began learning music at a very young age — focused on kirtan, gurmat sangeet and Indian classical music — and then began playing the guitar and western music over the last year-and-a-half. Gurpreet plans to continue his studies in technology but additionally plans to focus on music with hopes of making that a career.

February 25, 2013 (Washington, DC) – According to local news reports, a Sikh American man was shot and injured this past Saturday night as he drove his car in Daytona Beach, Florida.  His 13-year-old son, who was also in the car, was not injured.  Working together, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the Sikh Coalition have called on law enforcement officials, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to conduct a thorough investigation of this shooting and determine whether it was motivated by bias.

Of note, local authorities, working in collaboration with the FBI, do not believe this was a random act of violence.  They understand that the victim is a Sikh and are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.

According to local news reports, as Mr. Kanwaljit Singh was traveling in his car with his 13-year-old son, a late 80s to early 90s Ford F-150 truck pulled up beside him, and several shots were fired.  As Mr. Singh pulled over to the side of the road to call the police, he realized that he had been shot in his thigh and torso.  He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

SALDEF and the Sikh Coalition have been in contact with local law enforcement, the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office.  Additionally, the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice will be coordinating a meeting with law enforcement officers and the local Sikh community early this week.

As the investigation unfolds, we encourage the community to remain calm and offer prayers to Mr. Singh and his family for a speedy recovery.  The Port Orange Police Department has asked community members to contact Detective Jeff Wenzel at (386) 506-5884 or (386) 506-5800 only with specific information that could lead to the arrest of the assailant  Any general comments or concerns regarding the investigation of this incident as a hate crime should be directed at SALDEF or the Sikh Coalition.

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Executive Director, highlighted the critical issue of bullying against Sikh American school children.  Citing a survey conducted by SALDEF of Sikh American students in Southern California, “67% of Sikh American children surveyed were bullied or harassed within the last school year and 31% have been threatened with physical violence or harm.  These numbers are staggering compared to national averages and an indication of the serious challenges that our children continue to endure on a regular basis.”

Since 2011, SALDEF has worked to lobby members of congress to support the Safe Schools Improvement Act which aims to strengthen measures to prevent the bullying and harassment of students in public elementary and secondary schools. Some of the ways in which the bill will accomplish this is by:

• Requiring states to collect information regarding bullying incidences that occur throughout its public schools and report this data to the Department of Education and make the data available to the public.

• Requiring local educational agencies to clearly prohibit bullying and harassment in their discipline policies.

• Requiring grievance procedures for students, parents and educators to redress incidents of bullying and harassment.

• Prohibiting bullying and harassment that occurs through electronic means, including through the use of computers or cell phones.

SALDEF appreciates the efforts of the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights in coordinating the meeting. To view past SALDEF engagement with high-level government officials, see below:

SALDEF Meets with FBI Director Mueller
Protecting Sikh American Students
SALDEF Meets with TSA Leadership
SALDEF Represents Asian American Concerns on Racial Profiling; Encourages Community Action

Order your cards today!

Front

Back

The 2013 Sikh Information Cards are the size of a standard business card and feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States on the front and back of the card.

To reach an even wider audience, Spanish language versions are also available.

The new SALDEF Sikh Information Cards are being widely distributed; place your order today! This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.

Like the pocket calendars that were produced in the past, these new cards are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, restaurants, or public libraries. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials.

SALDEF encourages the Sikh American community to take initiative in informing and educating others about their culture and faith.

The cards are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.

Order your cards today!

In 2011, SALDEF launched the Sikh American community’s first ever Congressional Internship Program, under its new SikhLEAD initiative, to encourage political and civic engagement amongst Sikh American youth. The program partners with Congressional offices and federal agencies to place exceptional Sikh American college students, graduate students, and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington D.C.

Click here to watch the SikhLEAD Program Video

For this summer’s interns, SALDEF is pleased to announce stipends of $1,500 for successful completion of the Internship Program.  Additionally, SALDEF will cover the cost of travel to and from DC for interns.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!

Through this program, young Sikh American leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations.  Additionally, throughout the internship, SALDEF will host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in D.C., to further contribute to the overall experience of the interns.

College students and recent graduates of all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline for Summer 2013 is February 3rd at 11:59PM EST and early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

• explore a potential career track
• create a network of contacts
• develop professional skills and build confidence

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices and federal agencies to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions in Washington, DC. Through this program, young Sikh American leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations as well as provide exposure to careers in the public sector.

Click here to watch the SikhLEAD Program Video

Apply Now

SALDEF seeks to develop leadership skills, encourage political and civic engagement, and foster interest in public service careers by providing the unparalleled experience of interning for a member of Congress or in a Federal Agency.

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

Application deadline for summer 2013 is February 3rd at 11:59PM EST.  Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Program is sponsored by the Ik Manzil group, the corporate sponsors listed below, and generous community members like yourself.

Ground breaking changes like this open employment opportunities for our community.  They allow us to show that our articles of faith do not prevent us from pursuing careers in any field.  Additionally, in the role of law enforcement, we can positively shape the image of Sikhs in America as we are seen protecting our neighbors and fellow Americans.

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•    $500 – pays for a SALDEF member to travel to a city to conduct a training session

Over the past few months, SALDEF has had a extremely productive series of trainings, providing cultural competency presentations in a number of areas across the country:

Atlanta, Georgia

On September 20th, SALDEF Regional Director, Navtej Singh Khalsa, conducted trainings for the Department of Justice Community Relations Services (DOJ CRS), providing an in depth Building Cultural Competency Training in Appling, GA. Representatives from the Department of Justice, Columbia CountySheriff’s Department, DOJ-CRS, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department were in attendance. The training allows for government employees to be fully trained in the Sikh faith and culture, allowing for greater competency around issues facing Sikh Americans. This was the second training that SALDEF had done in the fall, with roughly 100 officers attending in total.

Northeast (Boston, MA & Portland, ME)

Throughout the month of October, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department (USCIS) during four independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 220 individuals trained.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice Community Relations Services (DOJ CRS), U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitledBuilding Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The interactive session ended with an informative question-answer session dialogue around common misconceptions of Sikh Americans and included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

Seminole County, Florida

On October 2nd, SALDEF Regional Director, Navtej Singh Khalsa, conducted a series of Sikh Cultural Awareness trainings for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Over 200 officers were trained, with twelve different training sessions held over six days.  The senior officers shared positive feedback and SALDEF will continue to work with them in providing this training to non-officer staff as well.

Las Vegas, Nevada

On November 14th, SALDEF Board Member, Kavneet Singh, presented to officers and agents representing the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Las Vegas Fire Department. The training presented a basic understanding of the Sikh faith, dispelled common misconceptions of Sikhs, and discussed how to better interact and partner with the Sikh American community.

The training was initiated as a follow up to the landmark partnership between SALDEF and the LMVPD to create a one of a kind cultural awareness training program to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.

As a result of the successful training, SALDEF has been invited back to participate in a Las Vegas-wide training for local and federal law enforcement agencies across the area on January 24th, 2013.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Last month, SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, was invited to speak on a panel entitled “South Asian Diversity Leadership” at the 2012 South Asian Bar Association of University of Florida’s South Asian Leadership Forum. Held at the University of Miami, the panel discussed issues facing South Asian attorneys as well as the broader South Asian American community and how South Asian attorneys can help address these challenges.

On November 3rd, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh was invited to speak at a special Sikh Seminar at the annual Yuba City Nagar Kirtan.  He spoke on the effects of bullying and harassment of Sikh children in schools and tactics to deal with and prevent incidents of bullying.

SALDEF Speaks to Local University Students

On November 14, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh presented to over a dozen officers and agents representing the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Las Vegas Fire Department. The training presented basic understanding of the Sikh faith, dispelled common misconceptions of Sikhs, and discussed how to better interact and partner with the Sikh American community.

Sikh Scouts College Day Event — A National Success!

On Sunday, November 18th, a series of events on college campuses across the country were held to empower the younger generation of Sikh American.  Over 80 youth attendees were matched with a mentor, and participated in one-on-one and group question and answer sessions. The events, organized by Sikh Scouts, targeted juniors and seniors in high school to discuss the college experience, tour a local college campus, and answer general questions about the college application process. Attendees were given tours to university campuses throughout the country, including the following: New York University (NYU), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Princeton University, and Southern Methodist University/University of Texas at Dallas.  Mentors are also available for any follow up questions mentees have for current or future interest in higher education, if you are interested in hosting a similar event in your area contact us.

Law Enforcement Officers in Maine Participate in Cultural Competency Trainings

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Throughout the month of November, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the Department of Justice and Sheriff’s Office in Portland, ME during six independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 220 individuals in attendance.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

• December 9th — Know Your Rights Forum – Sterling, VA
• January 3rd – Howard County Diversity Day
• January 24th — Las Vegas Law Enforcement Training
• January 27th – Know Your Rights Forum – Dallas, TX

As Sikhs across the world celebrate this day, President Barack Obama issued the following statement:

“I send my best wishes to all those here in America and around the world who are observing the anniversary of birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.  As always, this is a time to celebrate the principles of equality, respect, service and interfaith cooperation that are the core of the Sikh faith, and to recognize the extraordinary contributions that Sikh Americans make to our country every day. This year, we also remember the innocent lives that were lost  in the unspeakable violence directed against the Sikh congregation at the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.  I can think of no better way to honor their memory, and to join our Sikh friends as they mark this sacred time, than to recommit ourselves to the spirit of pluralism, equality and compassion that define both the Sikh community and our nation. ”

On this auspicious occasion, we hope you all take a moment to reflect on the beautiful message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  We also thank you for supporting SALDEF as we continue to advance the cause of social justice, raise awareness about Sikhs, and empower the community to flourish in all aspects of civic life.

Today, November 27, join the new nationwide initiative called #GivingTuesday to raise money for charity.  Help us reach our goal of $150,000 by 12/31!

You can participate in #GivingTuesday by donating to SALDEF. Your donation will help us:

•  Educate local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies around the country as to who Sikh Americans are and how to treat them and their articles of faith with respect.

•  Inspire our future Sikh American leaders through our SikhLEAD Leadership Development and Internship Programs

•  Monitor the media to ensure they are providing their audiences with accurate representations of Sikh Americans.

•  Advocate to policy makers in Washington D.C. on behalf of Sikh Americans.

Be a part of #GivingTuesday today!

DONATE NOW!

On October 2nd, SALDEF Board Member, Kavneet Singh, participated on a panel discussion entitled “Terrorism or Hate Crime” at the University of Southern California (USC). The panel, sponsored by CREATE Homeland Security Center, gathered terrorism and hate crime experts to explain and respond to questions challenging conventional wisdom on these pressing issues.  Discussion topics included: what the threshold is to be considered a domestic terrorist organization, the differences between a hate crime and domestic terrorism, and further exploring if these parameters are meeting a preconceived “profile” that relegates specific offenses to hate crimes instead of acts of terrorism.

The over 75 attendees represented local and federal law enforcement officials, students and community members with an interest in hate crimes and/or domestic terrorism. Mr. Singh was joined on the panel by Arif Alikhan, Deputy Executive Director of Homeland Security at Los Angeles World Airports; Dr. Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at USC; and Erroll Southers, Associate Director at CREATE, Price School of Policy and Professor in Homeland Security and Public Policy,  To view the panel in its entirety, please click here.

On October 15th, SALDEF Board Member, Parminder Singh spoke to undergraduate students and community members from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, MD. Mr. Singh gave an introductory presentation about Sikhs and Sikhism, discussing current issues faced by Sikh Americans such as discrimination, denial of public accommodations, school bullying, and hate/bias based incidents.  He also spoke about the work of SALDEF, the tragic shooting at Oak Creek, and what it is like growing up as a Sikh American.  The presentation was attended by 20 individuals, with an engaging student audience.

Similarly, SALDEF Board Chair, Manjit Singh, spoke to Masters of Divinity graduate students from Wake Forest University on Friday, October 19th in Washington, D.C. Mr. Singh spoke as part of the graduate course in Christianity and Public Policy. Mr. Singh gave an introductory presentation about Sikhism and Sikh Americans. He also spoke about the work of SALDEF and the increase in hate crimes against Sikh Americans. The presentation was attended by 25 students and was followed by a Q&A session.

On October 23rd the University of Southern California’s Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) Cultural Centerbrought together students to discuss issues around hate violence, the current political climate, and problems affecting the South Asian and Middle Eastern communities via a panel discussion titled “From Mesa to Oak Creek: Where Are We Now?”.  There were over 40 students in attendance, with panelists including Dean Varun Soni with the Office of Religious Life, Taz Ahmed with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and SALDEF’s Community Relations Associate, Birpal Kaur.  Students asked questions about policy issues, discrimination, and media reporting related to the Oak Creek tragedy and a discussion was facilitated to understand the climate of hate since 9/11.

Lastly, SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh spoke to a South Asian Studies class from Towson University near Baltimore, MD on November 14th. The presentation included an introduction to Sikh Americans and current challenges.  The presentation was followed by a lively discussion about how to balance national security and religious liberty. The presentation was attended by 20 students and was followed by a Q&A session.

SALDEF is pleased to continue to engage and educate students and the general public on Sikh Americans and Sikhism.  If you are interested in coordinating a speaker for an event please contact us.

Series of Law Enforcement Trainings Hosted Across the Northeast

Throughout the month of October, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department during four independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 200 individuals receiving training.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The interactive session ended with an informative question-answer session dialogue around common misconceptions of Sikh Americans and  included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

SALDEF Trains Over 200 Sheriff’s Officers in  Northern Florida

On October 2nd, SALDEF Regional Director, Navtej Singh Khalsa, conducted a series of Sikh Cultural Awareness trainings for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.  The training focused specifically on Sikh Americans, and allowed for thorough question and answer sessions for officers to participate in. Over 200 officers were trained, with twelve different training sessions held over six days. The senior officers shared positive feedback and SALDEF will continue to work with them in providing this training to non-officer staff as well.

If you are interested in SALDEF conducting Sikh Cultural Awareness trainings for your local law enforcement, please contact us.

Town Hall Meeting of Religious Organizations at Department of Justice Addresses Religion-Based Hate Crimes

On October 3, 2012, the Civil Rights Division and the Community Relations Service (CRS) of the Department of Justice hosted a Roundtable on Religion-Based Hate Crimes at the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building Conference Center. Representatives from 22 religious and interfaith organizations representing a broad array of religious communities participated in a discussion about data collection and reporting relating to religion-based attacks on individuals and places of worship, and the adequacy of current categories in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports.

At this town hall meeting, diverse religious groups presented anecdotal and survey evidence about hate crimes against Sikhs and Hindus, as well as against Arab Americans, and recommended that these be added as categories in the Uniform Crime Reports to help better understand religious and ethnicity-based hate crimes. Changes to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports are considered by the Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Policy Board, a board made up of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials and subject matter experts.

Know Your Rights Forum in Boston, MA a Success!

On Sunday, October 14th, a Know Your Rights Forum was successfully hosted in Milford, MA for the greater Boston area Sikh sangat.  Over 300 members of the local sangat participated in the forum, discussing issues of hate crimes, school bullying, workplace discrimination, and public accommodations.  The forum hosted Kate Billman-Golemme, Assistant Attorney General-Civil Rights Division; Cynthia Deitle, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Aloke Chakravarty, US Department of Justice, as guest speakers.  Following the informative presentations, sangat members had an opportunity to participate in a question & answer session to learn more about discrimination, hate crime investigations, and safety.

If you are interested in having a Know Your Rights forum in your area, please contact us.

Sikh Community Leadership Meets with ADL

On October 23rd, SALDEF Board Member, Navjeet Singh and local members of the Boston-area Gurdwara leadership, met with the staff of the Anti Defamation League (ADL) in Boston, Massachusetts. The ADL offered the Sikh community leaders assistance in fighting discrimination and confronting the growing needs of security in Sikh religious institutions in the wake of the tragic Oak Creek shootings in Wisconsin.  ADL is the the leading organization that offers support and security training to the leadership of houses of worship.

SALDEF Engages with Students in Southern California Reflecting on Oak Creek

On October 23rd the University of Southern California’s Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) Cultural Center brought together students to discuss issues around hate violence, current political climate, and problems affecting the South Asian and Middle Eastern communities via a panel discussion titled “From Mesa to Oak Creek: Where Are We Now?”.  There were over 40 students in attendance, with panelists including Dean Varun Soni with the Office of Religious Life, Taz Ahmed with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and SALDEF’s Community Relations Associate, Birpal Kaur.  Students asked questions about policy issues, discrimination, and media reporting related to the Oak Creek tragedy and a discussion was facilitated to understand the climate of hate towards since 9/11.

SikhVOTE Campaign Encourages all Sikh Americans to Vote!

In the weeks prior to the November 6th Election, dedicated SikhVOTE volunteers called hundreds of Sikh American voters in California and Virginia to remind and encourage them to vote. The voters received information regarding ballots, polling places, and state provided materials.  For the first time recorded, language and culturally competent phone banking and outreach was conducted in Punjabi for voters. SALDEF is proud to have partnered with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (California) and APIA Vote (Virigina), who were key players in the overall success for the SikhVOTE Initiative. We also would like to offer a very special thank you and our sincere gratitude to the hard work and dedication of the numerous sevadars across the country!

SALDEF National Gala Draws Over 500 Attendees

On October 6th, SALDEF held its National Gala “Chardi Kala: The Sikh American Spirit” in Washington, D.C.  Joined by over 500 guests, government officials, awardees and supporters from across the country, the sold-out event honored the memory of those who lost their lives in Oak Creek, highlighted the heroes born from the tragedy, and recognized those who have contributed to the Sikh American community’s progress and strengthened civil rights in the United States.

The Keynote address was given by Cecilia Munoz, Director of the White House Policy Council. Awardees from the night included Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Chief, Cathy Lanier (Public Service Award), CNN (Media Excellence Award), Valarie Kaur (Youth Leadership Award), Karen Narasaki (Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award), Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah (Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award), and Comcast (Corporate Achievement Award).  To learn more about the Gala, and to see pictures — click here.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter!

To stay more informed about our work and opportunities that may arise for community involvement, please ‘LIKE” us on Facebook. Also, please become a follower of SALDEF on Twitter and get real-time updates about current events in the Sikh American community, issues we are working on, and meetings we are attending.  Check out our recent activity and follow us at facebook.com/SALDEF and twitter.com/saldef

Upcoming Events:

• November 9th – Presentation at South Asian Bar Association Convention – Miami, FL
• November 14th – Law Enforcement Training – Las Vegas, NV
• November 16-18th – Sikh Arts & Film Festival – Orange, CA
• November 18th – Sikh Scouts College Awareness Events
• November 28th – Law Enforcement Training – Atlanta, GA
• December 1st – “Give Bigotry No Sanction” Facing History Event – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• December 16th – Know Your Rights—Dallas, TX

On Common Ground, part of the SALDEF Law Enforcement Partnership Program, provides law enforcement with an overview of Sikh American cultural practices, describes their articles of faith, explores common misconceptions, and presents strategies and best practices to use in non-emergency situations when interacting with community members.

“I am proud of our unending determination to provide the best possible cultural awareness resources to the dedicated law enforcement officers across California,” said POST Senior Consultant Robert “R.C.” Smith.  “Our partnership with SALDEF has allowed us to offer a unique and informative online resource which will equip our officers with much needed tools to serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.”

Established in 1959, POST sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. The more than 600 participating agencies now have easy access to this educational tool to ensure their officers understand Sikh culture and how to better interact with the Sikh American community.

“We are pleased to partner with POST as they continue to provide diverse resources and best practices for California’s law enforcement community,” said SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh. “Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. This is especially important in California as it has both the oldest and largest Sikh population in the country.”

SALDEF would like to offer special thanks to “R.C.” Smith for his leadership and partnership in this initiative and hopes that this collaboration serves as a model showing the need for and benefit of collaboration between law enforcement and the Sikh American community.

If you would like to work with your local law enforcement department on a similar initiative, please  contact SALDEF.

Further information on the SALDEF program can be found at http://www.saldef.org/program-areas/education/lepp/.

SALDEF has been in contact with the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) and obtained a copy of the police report. According to the police report, during the cab ride the attacker began questioning the cab driver about the dastaar (Sikh turban) he was wearing and making comments regarding his religion and ethnicity. The attacker then began assaulting the cab driver while also yelling racist and xenophobic slurs at him. The attacker pulled and ripped part of the cab driver’s beard off his face and caused a variety of other injuries.

READ MORE HERE

Witnesses who saw the attack called 911 and the attacker was arrested by the FWPD. After conducting an investigation, the FWPD recommended the attacker be charged with a hate crime, and he has since been charged by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office with malicious harassment under Washington’s hate crime statute.

SALDEF applauds both the FWPD for investigating the crime and for its recommendation that the attacker be charged with a hate crime, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for bringing this charge against the attacker.

“In this post-9/11 environment, Sikh Americans continue to experience high levels of bigotry and bias-motivated violence,” said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “It’s important to the victims of such crimes and to the Sikh community that perpetrators of hate crimes are charged accordingly and brought to justice. We thank the Federal Way Police Department and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their diligence and the professional way they have handled this unfortunate incident and look forward to the hate crime conviction of this assailant.”

As always, SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.393.2700 or via our Report an Incident Form.

“The Leadership Development Program was an amazing experience. It gave me an opportunity to share and build relationships with 16 other individuals who share the same passion as myself for the Sikh community, for the American community and humanity as a whole. I plan to build relationships with all my fellow LDP participants and change the world!”

(Washington, D.C.— October 16, 2012) Over Columbus Day Weekend, SALDEF successfully held its second annual Leadership Development Program  (LDP), under its ground-breaking SikhLEAD youth development initiative.  From an impressive pool of nearly 100 applicants, SALDEF selected 17 highly talented and accomplished young Sikh Americans from around the country for three days of leadership training, self-exploration, and development in Washington, D.C.

Watch LDP Slide Show

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The purpose of this opportunity is to empower Sikh American youth in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

The attendees were selected from across the country and represented a diverse range of professional fields including, law, medicine, business, journalism, social justice, and academia.  Over the course of the weekend, they participated in a series of activities to help identify their passion, recognize their strengths, and build a stronger sense of identity. The program provided training and skills for participants to improve public speaking, explore non-traditional career paths and network with leaders in the community.

“We were greatly impressed with the applications we received this year”, said SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh.  “This year’s LDP class is outstanding in both their passion for moving the community forward and their potential to bring real change to their communities.  We look forward to seeing the amazing things they will achieve in the coming years, along with the graduates of our inaugural LDP Class.”

SALDEF is indebted to several community leaders and pioneers who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the program.. SALDEF would like to give a special thank you to:

• Ms. Valarie Kaur; Founding Director, Groundswell
• Ms. Sona Rai; Director of Media Relations at CreativeFeed
• Ms. Nitasha Sawhney; Equity Partner, GCR and Member, California State Commission on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs
• Dr. G.P. Singh, former CEO, Karta Technologies
• Dr. Jaideep Singh, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CSU East Bay
• Mr. J.J. Singh; Legislative Advisor to US Senator Christopher Coons
• Mr. Pavneet Singh; Economic Policy Advisory to the White House
• Dr. Ratanjit Singh Sondhe; Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Leadership Advisor

LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the following sponsors: Comcast, Genworth Financial, and Southwest Airlines. To learn more about how you can support the SikhLEAD initiative, click here.

Click here to see the slideshow

In recognition of one of SALDEF’s major achievements in 2012, Police Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was awarded the SALDEF Public Service Award for updating the MPD grooming standards to allow Sikh Americans to serve with their articles of faith.  MPD is the first major police department in the country to take this step.

SALDEF awarded CNN with a Media Excellence Award for their full and comprehensive coverage in the aftermath of the Oak Creek tragedy. CNN news anchor, Erin Burnett, sent a special video message in acceptance of the award.

Click here to watch Erin Burnett’s Award Acceptance

Additional awards included Valarie Kaur (Youth Leadership Award), Karen Narasaki (Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award), Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah (Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award), and Comcast (Corporate Achievement Award).

The evening also included a special video release of SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Program introduced by SikhLEAD alumni Jaywin Singh Malhi and Priyanka Kaur Hooghan.

Click here to watch the SikhLEAD Program Video

If you weren’t able to join SALDEF at the National Gala, please join us today by making a tax-deductible donation. SALDEF thanks the event sponsors for their generous support, as well as the local volunteers, whose dedicated work ensured the success of this event.

September 25th marked National Voter Registration Day, which aimed at gathering efforts to push voter registration throughout the nation.  SikhVOTE volunteers by registering Sikh American voters, initiating phone bank calls, and connecting with local gurdwaras to remind sangat members to be part of the national movement towards voter engagement.

SALDEF announced the launch of the SikhVOTE campaign earlier this year in effort to increase voter engagement and participation within the Sikh American community. According to some projections, less than 30% of Sikh Americans are registered to vote, and ensuring that our voice as a community is heard on local, state and federal levels is a priority.

Remember, use our Online Voter Registration Tool to register to vote! Please visitwww.saldef.org/vote for all resources around Sikh American Voter engagement, including posters in English & Punjabi, registration information, Know Your Rights information, and more, and contact SikhVOTE@saldef.org to get involved in your area!

SALDEF Participates in Community Engagement Panel in Educating LAPD Officers

On September 5th, SALDEF Board Member, Kavneet Singh, participated on a panel discussion for over 65 community relations officers of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The panel was organized to introduce members of the LAPD to those in the community they are tasked with protecting, as well as discussing community partnerships, countering violent extremism, and hate crimes. Additionally, the panel offered their perspective of community leaders/advocates on where they would like to see law enforcement be in five years. Mr. Singh, highlighted the great strides that have been made with the community and law enforcement in the past several years, applauded the LAPD for their local response and partnership in the wake of the Oak Creek shootings, and talked of the need for law enforcement to ‘look like the community they police’, and allow for Sikhs to serve in the LAPD. The panel ended with a robust question and answer session where the panelists fielded questions from officers around proper protocols for engaging with community members and progress law enforcement has made since the attacks of 9/11.

SALDEF Participates in Representing the Sikh American Voice at TSA Coalition Conference

On August 6, 2012, the day after the shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, newspapers from all over the world covered the horrific incident. The Newseum has archived 811 front pages from 84 countries and made them all available here in there appear in their original, unedited form.

SALDEF Participates in Representing the Sikh American Voice at TSA Coalition Conference

At the 10th Annual Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Coalition Conference held on September 18th, SALDEF was invited to participate in a panel discussion. SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affair’s Associate, Amrita Singh, sat on the panel and educated those in attendance, including the Assistant Administrator at TSA’s Office of Civil Rights, about the issues still facing Sikh Americans traveling throughout this country and the desire for Sikh Americans, and all travelers, to be treated with dignity and respect. SALDEF also highlighted the need for additional and continuing Sikh cultural awareness trainings for all employees at the TSA.

Panel Hosted at Boalt School of Law in Berkeley, CA Discussing Reflections on Oak Creek

Over 150 students attended a presentation at Berkeley Law School (Boalt) on September 11th  for a panel discussion entitled “Why We Don’t Care: Reflections on the Oak Creek Shootings”. The panel was moderated by Boalt Professor Leti Volpp, and was comprised of SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh, CAIR-Bay Area Executive Director Zahra Biloo and Karen Korematsu, Co-founder of the Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education.  The panel discussion centered around the idea that this Oak Creek tragedy, as well as the numerous other incidents at Mosques across the country during the same week, are perceived as not being a tragedy that impacted all Americans, but only one that impacted “certain” people. In his remarks to the crowd, Mr. Singh congratulated law enforcement for their vigilance and partnership in the immediate aftermath of the massacre in Oak Creek, but called to question why neither Presidential candidates visited Oak Creek, and also why neither of them has touched on the ever important issue of gun control in our country.

Law Enforcement Trainings Conducted throughout the Greater Boston, MA Area

Throughout the month of September SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department during four independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 200 individuals in attendance.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

Southern California Takes Opportunities to Discuss Hate Violence Against Sikh Americans

Throughout the month of September SALDEF has been invited to participate in panel and group presentations around understanding hate crimes and the current climate that Sikh Americans are dealing with in the United States. On September 9th, the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission invited SALDEF’s Los Angeles Staff to speak about the Oak Creek Gurdwara Tragedy and understanding what other incidents around hate violence have been affecting the community. On September 11th and September 17th, workshops on “Islamaphobia & Sikhophobia: Understanding the Climate of Hate Post 9/11” were hosted by API Equality Los Angeles and the Hate Violence Prevention Practitioners Network, facilitated by SALDEF.  The presentations conducted allowed other organizations that are from various API community backgrounds, or doing violence prevention related work, to understand the experiences of the Sikh American and Muslim American communities from 9/11 until today.  All presentations allowed for Q&A sessions that allowed individuals to ask clarifying questions around Sikhism, discrimination faced by community members, and the current political climate around pushing legislative change.

Know Your Rights Forum Huge Success in Riverside, CA

On Sunday, September 16th, a Know Your Rights Forum was successfully hosted in Riverside, CA for the greater Inland Empire area Sikh sangat.  Over 250 members of the local sangat participated in the forum, discussing issues of hate crimes, school bullying, workplace discrimination, and public accommodations.  The forum hosted Sergio Diaz, Chief of Police (Riverside Police Department), Elliot Duchon, Superintendent (Jurupa Valley Unified School District), and Tina Walker, District Administrator (Department of Fair Employment and Housing) as invited guest speakers.  Following the informative presentations, sangat members had an opportunity to participate in a robust Question & Answer session including specific incidents related to police accommodations for Sikhs and school bullying issues.

If you are interested in having a Know Your Rights forum in your area, please contact us via info@saldef.org.

SALDEF Speaks at Advancing Justice Conference in Chicago, IL

On September 26th and 27th the largest civil rights related convening of Asian American organizations and representatives was hosted via the Advancing Justice Conference in Chicago, IL. SALDEF’s Birpal Kaur participated as a panelist during a workshop focusing on activism models in the South Asian community.  The panel, titled Desi Cool: Thinking Outside the Activist Modelto reach a wider audience gave speakers an opportunity to present work being done in our respective communities around empowering a marginalized South Asian community.

The Advancing Justice Conference is a joint-venture by the Asian American Institute (Chicago), Asian American Justice Center (Washington, D.C.), Asian Law Caucus (San Francisco) and Asian Pacific American Legal Center (Los Angeles).

Upcoming Events:

• October 5-8th – SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program – Washington D.C.
• October 6th – SALDEF National Benefit Gala – Washington D.C.
• October 14th – Know Your Rights Forum – Boston, MA
• October 19th – Sikhism 101 Training – Medford, MA
• October 21st –  Know Your Rights Forum –  Dallas, TX
• October 21st –  Know Your Rights Forum –  Fresno, CA
• October 23rd – USC Townhall on Oak Creek – Los Angeles, CA
• October 24th – LEPP Training – Williamstown, MA
• November 4th – Know Your Rights Forum – Albuquerque, NM
• November 6th – Election Day!

We are pleased to announce that Comcast will receive the Corporate Achievement Award for their partnership and support of SALDEF and CNN will receive the Media Excellence Award for their coverage during the Oak Creek shootings.

Purchase your tickets online today

Comcast was one of the first supporters of the SikhLEAD programs and has been an invaluable partner to SALDEF over the past few years. Whether assisting with youth programs or providing opportunities for on-air segments to raise awareness about Sikh Americans, Comcast is helping the Sikh American community continue to make progress.

CNN was the first national network to provide full and comprehensive coverage in the immediate aftermath of the Oak Creek massacre, as well as provide consistent coverage throughout the week as details surrounding the shooting emerged. Anchors including Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, Erin Burnett and Don Lemon provided an accurate depiction of the Sikh American community and have greatly contributed to providing a better understanding and awareness of Sikh Americans and the Sikh faith.

Join us in recognizing Comcast and CNN and others who have supporting the Sikh American community.

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We are pleased to announce that Washington, DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier and civil rights leader Karen Narasaki will be recognized at this year’s gala with the SALDEF Public Service Award and the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award, respectively.

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In May of 2012, Chief Cathy Lanier became the first police chief of a major metropolitan department to update grooming standards to allow Sikh Americans to serve with their articles of faith. She is widely recognized for her commitment to reducing violent crimes through strong relationships fostered with partners in the community. Chief Lanier is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Unit Commanders Academy. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Karen K. Narasaki is a nationally-renowned civil and human rights leader. She is the former president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Following the attacks of 9/11, Ms. Narasaki worked with South Asian, Arab American and Muslim community leaders to address racial profiling and establish dialogs with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice.  Ms. Narasaki’s work has garnered many recognitions; including the American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence Award, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Hubert H. Humphrey Award and Washingtonian Magazine named her one of the “100 most powerful women in Washington” in 2001, 2006, 2009 and 2011.

Join us in honoring Chief Cathy Lanier, Karen Narasaki and others who have worked to protect the rights of all Americans.

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We are pleased to announce that Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah will be receiving our Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award this year.

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Dr. Marwah is widely known for his service and leadership to the Sikh community. Whether it was establishing the first Gurdwara in Southern California, working with public service organizations like the Rotary Club, or supporting disadvantaged individuals in South Asia, he has demonstrated the Sikh spirit of seva (selfless service). Additionally, Dr. Marwah has a remarkable life story that allows him great perspective of Sikh American history as he served as a campaign manager of Dr. Dalip Singh Saund’s successful US Congress election campaign in 1957, and his decades of engagement with civic and political leaders in America have positively shaped the landscape for Sikh Americans across the country. In addition to his many professional accolades, Dr. Marwah has served on the board of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, chaired the Hollywood Arts Commission and the Los Angeles/Mumbai (Bombay) Sister Cities, and was president of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission.

Join us in honoring Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah and others who have been pioneers for the Sikh American community.

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National Voter Registration Day is Today – September 25th!

SALDEF’s SikhVOTE Initiative is participating in National Voter Registration Day, today, September 25, 2012.  SALDEF encourages all Sikh Americans to fully exercise their civic right and register to vote today!

Click Here to Register to Vote!

SikhVOTE is focused on increasing Sikh American registration, engagement, and turn out.  Join volunteers in California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and elsewhere around the country by registering new voters and encouraging voters in our community!

Raise awareness in your community with the following SALDEF Resources:

• SikhVOTE Volunteer Voter Registration Toolkit
• Election Day & Know Your Rights Poster (in English & Punjabi)
• Voter Rights Information – in English and Punjabi

For Sikh Americans, the right to vote is particularly important. In 1923, a Sikh American Army Veteran, Bhagat Singh Thind took his case regarding citizenship to the Supreme Court where he was denied citizenship and thus the right to vote. Today, we have the right to vote but estimates put our rate of registration at one of the lowest in the country. Register to Vote Today!

In 2008, 6 million Americans didn’t vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn’t know how to register. In 2012, we want to make sure no one is left out.

Please visit www.saldef.org/vote for more information and resources to help with SikhVOTE and National Voter Registration Day. Please contact SikhVote@saldef.org for more information or assistance in setting up your voter registration program, to share why voting is important to you, or to share pictures of your voter engagement team in action.

SikhVOTE is a project of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) with the purpose of empowering Sikh American voters. SALDEF is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization that does not advocate on behalf of any party, candidate, or campaign. Use of these materials does not constitute an endorsement by SALDEF or its partners, APALC, APIAVote, or 18 Million Rising.

Who can make the Sikh American voice heard? You.

You can do a lot in your own community to empower Sikhs across America. One of the easiest things to do is encouraging people to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Earlier this year, volunteers around the country joined SALDEF to launch SikhVOTE, a national, non-partisan project to increase Sikh American voter registration, engagement, and turn out. College students and SikhLEAD alumni are in the middle of voter registration campaigns in eight states across the country aimed at increasing the number of Sikh American voters.

In 1923 the Supreme Court said Sikhs could not become citizens –we could not vote and were denied a voice in our country. Today, we have the right to vote, the right to share our voice and determine the direction of our nation, but estimates put our rate of registration at one of the lowest in the country. Register to vote today to protect your rights in the future.

TAKE ACTION: Raise the Voice of Your Sangat – Join SikhVOTE

Join SikhVOTE volunteers in California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and elsewhere around the country by registering new voters and encouraging voters in your community.

To help SikhVOTE has created a set of resources for you to use:

• Step by Step Voter Registration Drive Toolkit
• Online Voter Registration Application
• Posters, Handouts, and Resources in English & Punjabi
• Voter Rights Resources
• And More!

All of these items are available at www.saldef.org/vote. We will be updating that website with more resources for use as Election Day gets closer. Please contact info@saldef.org for more information or assistance in setting up your voter registration program, to share why voting is important to you, or to share pictures of your voter engagement team in action.

SikhVOTE is a project of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) with the purpose of empowering Sikh American voters. SALDEF is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization that does not advocate on behalf of any party, candidate, or campaign. Use of these materials does not constitute an endorsement by SALDEF or its partners, APALC, APIAVote, or 18 Million Rising.

The unveiling of the training presentation was held at the United States Department of Justice Building in Washington, DC and attended by over 100 participants including members of the Sikh American community, representatives of government agencies and members of the civil rights community.  Officials from the DOJ included the Director of CRS, Grande Lum, and the Deputy Attorney General, James Cole.  In his remarks, Deputy Attorney General Cole stated,

“This training could not be more timely.  The tragic events in Oak Creek, Wisconsin just last month are a chilling reminder of the need to do all we can to foster tolerance, understanding, and respect among the diverse faiths, communities and peoples that make up America.   Sikh Americans have been part of the American family for many decades – and in fact this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Sikh Gurdwara in the United States.  Yet many do not understand the long history of the Sikh faith and culture in America.  It is our hope that with greater understanding of that rich history and the contributions of Sikh Americans, there will be greater respect for our common humanity.”

SALDEF appreciates the work of the Department of Justice and CRS in releasing this training. Community members are encouraged to contact SALDEF if they would like a training to be conducted in their area.

“Since 9/11, Congress has held dozens of hearings on the threat posed by Al Qaeda and its affiliates.  But this is the first hearing in recent years on the threat of violent domestic extremists.  Of course, we need to continue our efforts to defeat Al Qaeda, but we cannot ignore the threat of homegrown non-Islamic terrorists.”

Click here to watch Senator Durbin’s opening statement.

Over 80 organizations, including SALDEF, submitted written testimony for the Senate subcommittee.

The following individuals testified at the hearing:

• Harpreet Singh Saini, whose mother was killed during the attack on the Oak Creek Gurdwara

• Scott McAllister from the Office of Intelligence & Analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Roy L. Austin, Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General at Civil Rights Division for the U.S. Department of Justice

• Michael A. Clancy, Deputy Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation

• Daryl Johnson, Founder & Owner, of DT Analytics, LLC

• James B. Jacobs, Professor at New York University School of Law

Click here to watch the entire hearing on C-SPAN.
Click here to watch Harpreet Singh Saini’s moving testimony.

During the hearing, Roy Austin from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated that in the next month, the DOJ will work with Sikh organizations in making a determination on the inclusion of an anti-Sikh hate crime category on the FBI’s uniform crime reporting statistics form.  SALDEF is encouraged by this development.  In November of 2010, SALDEF presented to the Uniform Crime Reporting Division of the FBI on this topic.

The hearing was followed by a press conference with representatives from eleven organizations representing various communities effected by hate, including; the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Network for Arab American Communities, the Bickel & Brewer Latino Institute for Human Rights Fellow and the Japanese American Citizens They each echoed the words of Harpreet Saini, “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

SALDEF applauds Senator Dick Durbin for convening this important hearing and the Sikh Coalition for their leadership on this hearing.

We are pleased to announce that Valarie Kaur will be receiving our Youth Leadership Award this year.

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Valarie Kaur is an award-winning filmmaker, civil rights advocate, and interfaith organizer.  A third-generation Sikh American, she is the founding director of Groundswell, a non-profit initiative at Auburn Seminary that mobilizes faith communities in bold collective action. In response to the tragedy in Oak Creek, WI, Groundswell organized thousands to send letters of support to Sikh families, call upon the FBI to track anti-Sikh hate crimes, and lead college campuses to respond to Oak Creek through storytelling and service projects as part of the President’s Interfaith Campus Challenge.

In addition, Valarie and her partner Sharat Raju have been telling the stories of Oak Creek to the American public through writing, reporting, filmmaking, and speaking on national media.  Their response is a continuation of more than a decade of work in support of civil rights and human dignity for Sikhs as well as African-American, Latino, and LGBTQ communities. Their award-winning films “Divided We Fall” and “American Made” about Sikh Americans after 9/11 have reached tens of thousands in more than 200 U.S. cities. Valarie studied religion and law at Stanford University, Harvard Divinity School and Yale Law School.  As fellows at Yale Law School, Valarie and Sharat direct the Yale Visual Law Project and train students in the art of storytelling and advocacy.

Book your travel today! The Grand Hyatt Hotel is nearly sold-out.  Call 202-582-1234 and reference SALDEF for discounted room rates.

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Senate Judiciary Committee
Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights
“Hate Crimes & the Threat of Domestic Extremism”
DATE: Wednesday, September 19, 2012
TIME: 02:45 PM EST
ROOM: Hart 216

At approximately 4:30pm (immediately after the hearing) there will be a press conference outside of the hearing room, leading civil rights and interfaith organizations that have spent the past decade working on community and policy challenges pertaining to hate crimes, will highlight reactions to the hearing and outlining next steps.

Please spread the word to your friends and family and urge them to attend a the hearing. You attendance will make all the difference!

If you are not in the Washington D.C. area, watch the hearing live here and tweet your thoughts and comments from the hearing using #antihate

SB 1540 and AB 1964 were signed by Governor Brown on Saturday, September 8th, marking a monumental victory for Sikhs!

With the final push throughout the month of August, SALDEF and other Sikh groups have been advocating for the passage of SB 1540, a bill intended to revise and update K-12 History/Social Science curriculum in California schools.  With the support of local community efforts, SALDEF was able to send over 2,500 physically signed letters urging Governor Brown to sign the bill. The passage of this bill now requires the state Board of Education to consider a new history framework for schools that the governor said will include “the role and contributions of the Sikh community in California.”

AB 1964, the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, drafted by the Sikh Coalition s is designed to prevent job discrimination based on religion and promote equal employment opportunities for all Californians. Governor Brown was quoted saying “This bill, AB 1964, makes it very clear that wearing any type of religious clothing or hairstyle, particularly such as Sikhs do, that that is protected by law and nobody can discriminate against you because of that,” at a rally of the North American Punjabi Assn. on the steps of the Capitol on the day of signing.

One Month Anniversary Passes as Oak Creek, WI Stays in Thoughts and Prayers

As just over a month has passed since the Wisconsin Shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara, all are not out of harms way. Out of the four injured victims, Bhai Punjab Singh, who was shot in the face by Wade Page, is the lone victim that remains in the hospital. Fortunately, his condition has improved from critical to serious as he no longer requires mechanical support to breathe. Amarjit Kaur was treated and released the same day of the shootings. Santokh Singh, who was shot once in the chest, was in the hospital for just over a week after the shooting but was released in good condition. Lt. Brian Murphy remained in the hospital for just over 2 weeks, but was released under his own power on August 22, 2012.

SikhVOTE Campaign Launched Nationwide, Make Your Voice Heard!

SALDEF announced the launch of the SikhVOTE campaign earlier this year in an effort to increase the number of Sikh Americans registered to vote in the US. According to some projections, less than 30% of Sikh Americans are registered to vote, and ensuring that our voices are heard in this electionis a priority.  As part of the campaign, SALDEF hosted a Presidential Town Hall in July, and SikhVOTE volunteers have begun their 10 week campaign plans to assist with election processes, register individuals to vote, enhance voter education and create forums to emphasize civic engagement. Youth volunteers are going to Gurdwaras and other local events in order to register voters.

Please contact SikhVOTE2012@saldef.org to find out how you can get involved for your local area!

Houston Police Academy Learns about Sikhs and Sikhism

SALDEF Regional Director, Bobby Singh, conducted a training to educate 74 officers in Houston, TX on August 9th.  The training provided information on Sikh theology, the significance of the Sikh articles of faith, the importance of diversity, information on the local and national Sikh populations, community issues with law enforcement, and the Wisconsin tragedy. The training was conducted for cadets in the Houston Police Academy, and included a viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground. The interactive session ended with an informative question-answer session dialogue around common misconceptions of Sikh Americans and law enforcement.

If you are interested in SALDEF providing training for your local law enforcement via LEPP, please contact us.

SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Cultural Diversity Trainings Across the Northeast

On August 21st and 23rd, SALDEF representatives presented to representatives from a variety of local and federal law enforcement agencies in Boston, MA.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

Call for Fall 2012 SALDEF Internship Opportunities

The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. SALDEF is looking for interns in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles offices. Students exhibiting strong writing/communication skills, strong work ethic, and computer skills are highly encourage to apply; all majors welcome. Applications for Fall Semester will be accepted on a rolling basis, however early applications will receive preference. Applications should be sent to internship@saldef.org

SALDEF National Gala: An Evening of Refection and Empowerment

In the spirit of Chardhi Kala (high spirits), we will honor the memory of those who lost their lives and recognize the heroes who were born from the great tragedy in Wisconsin.  Additionally, we will give perspective on the over one hundred years that Sikh Americans have been in this country – the struggles, the achievement, and the work ahead.

Please join us for an evening of reflection and empowerment at the SALDEF National Gala on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC. For more information, click here.

Upcoming Events:

• September 16th — Know Your Rights Forum– Riverside, CA
• September 19th  — “Hate Crimes & the Threat of Domestic Extremism” Hearing  — Washington D.C.
• September 25th —National Voter Registration Day
• September 26th – LEPP: USCIS Office Cultural Awareness Training –Bedford, NH
• October 5-8th — SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program– Washington DC
• October 6th—SALDEF 2012 National Gala—Washington DC
• October 21st — Know Your Rights Forum– Dallas, TX
• October 21st — Know Your Rights Forum– Fresno, CA

There is still time to apply for the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP). This program is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The application deadline is this Sunday, August 19th.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here are a few of the things that last year’s participants said about their LDP experience:

“This program provided me the most inspiring and valuable weekend of my life!”

“Overall excellent weekend – words cannot describe the knowledge, motivation, and inspiration I am taking away with me.”

“Through LDP I have learned so much valuable information about the qualities of a leader.”

“This was the program I was looking for…I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.”

“I came with an open mind and left completely inspired. Most importantly though, I have 16 other young leaders who I can call family.”

“Amazing! Life changing!”

Click here to watch the promotional video (credit: Sukhjeet Singh)

Click here to apply now to this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The program brings together a group of young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day) in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA. Attendees participate in a series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions to promote personal development, build leadership skills and gain community empowerment skills.

WATCH:  Slideshow of the inaugural program held in Washington DC (Part I)

READ:  Blog post on LDP from a participant last year.

WATCH: Slideshow of the inaugural program held in Los Angeles, CA (Part II)

What are you waiting for? Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

Reports indicate that Mr. Singh was shot and killed during an attempted armed robbery at his store. Mr. Singh was part of the Oak Creek Sangat, but was not present during the shooting that occurred on August 5, 2012 at the gurdwara.

Earlier this evening, SALDEF spoke with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and learned that they have ‘people of interest’ in custody at this time. A Lieutenant from MPD also stated that while this is an ongoing investigation, there is currently no evidence to indicate that this crime was motivated by anything other than a desire to obtain money from the victims. The US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, James Santelle, however, has assured the community that his office and law enforcement will look at this case critically and ensure that the motive of this crime is thoroughly investigated.

READ MORE: Man was killed during attempted robbery, police say (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Since this incident occurred just 10 days following the mass shooting at the gudwara in Oak Creek, WI, SALDEF has asked local and federal authorities to be particularly cognizant of the current climate among the Sikh American community in the Milwaukee area. SALDEF has asked the authorities not to rule out the possibility that this crime may have been motivated by religious or racial bias.

SALDEF has also been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Milwaukee Field Office. They are aware of the crime, and while not actively involved, have an agent awaiting further reports from the MPD. SALDEF has additionally contacted the Department of Justice, Community Relations Service, as well as the office of US Attorney.

VIDEO: Man killed near 38th and Locust was member of Sikh Temple (FOX6 News)

While the Oak Creek community continues to heal following the August 5th shooting, we ask that community members keep Dalbir Singh and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this already difficult time.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.403.0246 or via our Report an Incident Form.

As I left Oak Creek with a heavy heart this afternoon, I reflected on the intensity of the events of the past 10 days.  We have witnessed the single greatest tragedy in our Sikh American history, one which briefly put our community in the media spotlight and left us seeing how much work we have ahead of us.

This past Sunday, the Oak Creek Sangat held their first Gurdwara service since the attack.  With an estimated 3500 in attendance, the Sangat raised the Nishaan Sahib once again, opened their doors in all directions, and reflected the Sikh spirit of Chardhi-Kala (high spirits), as gracefully as they always have.  It was an emotional time for the community, and one which helped put this monumental event into perspective.

The Oak Creek Sangat, however, was not alone in their remembrance of the Sikhs who lost their lives.  Hundreds of congregations participated in the National Moment of Reflection which took place in churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and gurdwaras around the country.  National organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, Baptist Joint Committee and countless others helped ensure that communities across America stood with us in solidarity.

After Sunday’s program, I attended a peace rally in downtown Milwaukee, where I was joined by the Executive Director of the largest Muslim American organization in the country as well an interfaith coalition of prominent leaders who shared their sympathies with our community.  The most memorable speaker was a former Neo-Nazi leader who had turned civil rights activist.  With tears flowing, he expressed his personal sadness about the events and articulated the need for all of us to stand united against hate and terrorism, whatever shape they may take.

As I return to Washington, DC and begin to contemplate the work ahead, my thoughts and prayers remain with the wounded and grieving. To the local community, I express our deepest condolences as well as our commitment to stay engaged long-term with your Sangat.  I know that I am not alone in offering this support; we are all members of your Oak Creek Sangat now.

Guru Fateh,

Jasjit Singh
SALDEF Executive Director

Following the shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin on August 5th, and the loss of 6 innocent lives, the Sikh American community and the nation have come together to remember the victims of this national tragedy. Over 125 interfaith vigils have been held across the country, along with a National Day of Remembrance and Solidarity where faith communities across the country came together to remember the victims, and a nationally televised funeral services which was attended by sangat across the country and government dignitaries including Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and US Attorney General Eric Holder.

SALDEF staff continues to be on the ground in WI to assist the local sangat in the aftermath of this terrible incident. To read more about the shootings in Wisconsin, and the community reaction, please visit: www.saldef.org/oakcreek.

To support the victims, please consider making a donation to the victim’s fund by visiting: www.indiegogo.com/Milwaukee-Sikh

DEADLINE EXTENDED: SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program Applications Due August 19th

SALDEF has extended the deadline for applications for this year’s class of theSikhLEAD Leadership Development Program to Sunday, August 19th.

The events of the past week have shown the increased need we have for advanced engagement and leadership by young Sikh American students and professionals, and we are further committed to our mission of making sure the next generation of Sikh Americans — our doctors, filmmakers, authors, businessmen and women, educators, and engineers — have the skills and training they need to represent and empower themselves and our community. This program is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

If you are interested in both fulfilling your own and the community’s potential apply now.

SALDEF Launches SikhVOTE: Voter Engagement Campaigns Across the Country

SALDEF is excited to announce the launch of the SikhVOTE campaign, in advance of the coming November 2012 elections. In addition to holding the Presidential Town Hall in July, SALDEF will be hosting voter engagement campaigns throughout America over the coming months.

With youth volunteers being trained in California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Virginia, SALDEF is hoping to reach as many parts of the Sikh American community demographic as possible. According to some projections, less than 30% of Sikh Americans are registered to vote, and ensuring that our voice as a community is heard on local, state and federal levels is a priority.  SikhLEAD alumni will be leading local efforts in various parts of the community to ensure that Sikh Americans have access and understanding of the voter and election processes, registering individuals to vote, and creating forums to emphasize civic engagement.

If you are interested in volunteering to participate in our 10-week campaign geared at voter engagement in the Sikh community near you, please contact info@saldef.org.

Sacramento, CA Holds Successful Know Your Rights Forum

On July 29th, a Know Your Rights Forumwas successfully hosted in West Sacramento, CA for the greater Sacramento area Sikh sangat.  Over 50 members of the local sangat participated in the forum, discussing issues of workplace discrimination, school bullying, hate crimes, and public accommodations. Representatives from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) andWashington Unified School District were invited to speak.  EEOC representatives spoke to the sangat about how to file the proper complaints regarding workplace discrimination issues.

A special note of appreciation to Amar Shergill, Harjit Grewal, and the Gurdwara committee ofSikh Temple West Sacramento for support and assistance with this event. If you are interested in having a Know Your Rights forum in your area, please contact SALDEF’s Birpal Kaur via info@saldef.org.

SALDEF Trains Law Enforcement Officers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Throughout the month of July, SALDEF Regional Director Jaswant Singh Chani conducted a series of cultural awareness trainings for members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Operations force with the Boston Transit Police Academy in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Roughly 200 officers attended one of the six sessions, and were informed about the Sikh faith, educated on religious and cultural practices, and given advice on how best to interact with Sikh American community members. SALDEF discussed the challenges that the Sikh American community faces, particularly in areas relating to employment discrimination, hate crimes, and other forms of public accommodation.

APIA Presidential Town Hall: Continued Progress for Community’s Civic Engagement

The Asian Pacific Islander American community participated in a Presidential Town Hall held at George Mason University on July 21, 2012. Hundreds of Sikhs across the country logged in to the internet and watched the event, organized by APIAVote and SALDEF, from viewing parties around the nation, in Gurdwaras and their homes. Sangat members in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland and Texas, gathered to take part in this historic event, addressing community concerns and realizing the importance of Asian Americans as an integral voting demographic in this upcoming election. Historically Sikh Americans have been largely underrepresented in the voting process. The Town Hall was a first step to being to increase the level of engagement for Sikhs around the country, in the nation’s politics and to vote.

SALDEF will continue to work on voter engagement throughout the national Sikh American community through the November 2012 elections.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

Call for Fall 2012 SALDEF Internship Opportunities

The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. SALDEF is looking for interns in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles offices. Students exhibiting strong writing/communication skills, strong work ethic, and computer skills are highly encourage to apply; all majors welcome. Applications for Fall Semester will be accepted on a rolling basis, however early applications will receive preference. Applications should be mailed to internship@saldef.org

SALDEF Summer 2012 Interns Wrap up Time in Washington, DC

SALDEF interns have participated in a series of networking and leadership development opportunities throughout the summer.  Highlights included a networking lunch with Sikh American professionals from government, leadership development sessions, career fair and various social activities.  Two special events during the summer included the AAPI Youth Leadership Summit and the dinner with Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta.
The APIA Youth Leadership Summit served as a call for youth activism, focusing on issues of AAPI representation at the highest levels of the federal government. Other issues addressed were AAPI voter engagement, and ways the current administration can better engage youth on relevant issues. It was also an outlet for AAPI youth to voice their opinions on various matters relevant to the younger generation.

The dinner with Secretary Mineta was hosted by SALDEF, along with our partners at the JACL, OCA and the Washington Leadership Program, and provided SikhLEAD interns an opportunity of a lifetime to meet a decorated Congressman and public servant who served as Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton and  secretary of transportation under President Bush. He focused on the topic of leadership and what it takes to be successful in public service: accessibility and accountability. This was followed by a moving discussion of his role in as secretary of transportation during 9/11.

SALDEF is proud and honored to have an exciting and intelligent group of young Sikh Americans involved in the political process in Washington D.C. For more information on the SikhLEAD internship program, please click here.

SALDEF Presents to Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative in Los Angeles

SALDEF participated in the Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative in Los Angeles, and presented information about Sikhism to the 80 students were in attendance as high school interfaith leaders from various religious backgrounds and communities. The 3-day program provided an insightful perspective on how different faiths fundamentally frame one’s outlook on daily life, with issues ranging from basic theology to addressing misconceptions on religion.

Stop Bullying Video Challenge — $2,000 Grand Prize Available for Best Video!

Sikh Kid Being Bullied

On behalf of the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention, SALDEF encourages Sikh American youth to submit original PSAs, 30 to 60 seconds in length, that showcase ways they are taking action against bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and respect in their communities.  Competitive videos will be informative and entertaining, sending a positive message to youth about the importance of being “more than a bystander” to bullying in your schools and community.

Deadline for submissions is October 14th 11pm EST, with youth ages 13-18 eligible to participate with parent/guardian permission.  The contest winner will receive a grand prize of $2,000, with the two runner-ups earning $500 each.  To apply, and for more information, visitstopbullying.challenge.gov

Upcoming Events

• August 19th – DEADLINE for applications to SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program
• August 20th—Federal Bullying Summit – Washington D.C.
• September 16th – Know Your Rights Forum—Riverside, CA
• October 6th— SALDEF National Gala—Washington D.C.
• October 5-8th – SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program—Washington D.C
• November 4th – Know Your Rights Forum – Albuquerque, NM

In light of the tragic events in Wisconsin, SALDEF is extending the deadline for applications for this year’s class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP) to  Sunday, August 19th.

The events of the past week have shown the increased need we have for advanced engagement and leadership by young Sikh American students and professionals, and we are further committed to our mission of making sure the next generation of Sikh Americans — our doctors, filmmakers, authors, businessmen and women, educators, and engineers — have the skills and training they need to represent and empower themselves and our community. If you are interested in both fulfilling your own and the community’s potential apply now.

Yesterday morning, thousands of Sikhs and non-Sikhs from around the country came together in Oak Creek, Wisconsin for funeral services of the six Sikhs killed in Sunday’s shooting.  After a prayer service and viewing of the deceased, speeches were given by family members, Gurdwara representatives and dignitaries, including the US Attorney General (AG), Eric Holder Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker and the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.

While the official time of the shootings was at 10:20am CST, we encourage you to choose a time and reflection that will have the most impact on your sangat. For example, our colleagues at World Sikh Council are working with gurdwara’s across the country, and world, to pause their regular services and sing a particular shabad to show the solidarity and strength of the Sikh Panth in the wake of this tragedy. More information, and participating gurdwaras, can be found by visiting: http://www.facebook.com/events/154702934653899/

More details can be found here.

Resources for Continued Community Outreach

As you continue to engage with your local communities by arranging vigils, setting up open-houses at your gurdwaras, or just talking to them informally about Sikhs, we offer the resources and tools below — inluding a set of talking points developed in conjunction with other Sikh orgs — to help make your engagments the most successful and productive that they can be.

• HOW TO GUIDE: Organizing a Gurdwara Open House
• HOW TO GUIDE: Organizing a Vigil in Your Local Community
• BROCHURE: Who are the Sikhs
• HANDOUT: Welcome to the Gurdwara
• FACT SHEET: Sikh American Fact Sheet
• VIDEO: Inside a Sikh Gurdwara (CNN)
• WEBSITE: Learn About Sikhs

Stay informed with the most up-to-date news by visiting www.saldef.org, LIKING us on Facebook, or following us on Twitter.

WATCH LIVE STREAMING ONLINE AT: WWW.MSNBC.COM and CNN Online and Local CBS NEWS

The Memorial Services began at 9am CST at Oak Creek High School, 340 East Puetz Road, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 53154. United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, is scheduled to address attendees at 11am CST. Live Television coverage is also expected by CNN throughout the funeral service. Below is a brief glimpse into the life of each of the brave souls, that we lost last weekend, for their extended sangat across the country.

Paramjit Kaur Saini was the only woman killed in Sunday’s shooting at the Sikh Gurdwara in Wisconsin. Born on April 25, 1971, she is survived by her two sons, 20-year old Kamaljit Singh Saini and 18-year old Harpreet Singh Saini. She was a weekly presence at the gurdwara, as her faith stemmed deep in the Sikh religion. Paramjit K came to pray and serve every Sunday and Thursday. She was a very selfless woman, always putting her husband and sons first, beyond anything.

Ranjit Singh, brother of Sita Singh, moved to New Delhi after he completed his education and moved to the United States in 1997.  He was an active member of his community, committed himself to volunteer work and played tabla during religious ceremonies. He is survived by his wife and children who currently reside in India. One of his sons, Gurvinder Singh, was seven months old when Ranjit Singh left his home in Delhi, India. 16 years later, his son hoped to see his father return to Delhi this November.  Ranjit Singh worked various jobs on weekdays, sending what money he could home to his wife and family, hoping to secure a more stable future for his family in the future.

Sita Singh, was born November 15, 1970, was the younger brother of Ranjit Singh, from the Dalu Wala Majpata village.  He moved to New Delhi after completing his education, and then transitioned to the states in New York City.  He was known as a tough and dedicated man who was very easy to talk to.  He is survived by his wife and four children.  Sita Singh was dedicated to all duties of the temple, such as including cutting the grass on the property and trimming the bushes. He led morning services every day around 5 a.m. Sita Singh lived in the temple where his brother had once served as a longtime priest, and his life ended there as well.

Prakash Singh was born on November 1, 1972 and was from New Delhi, India.  He was known by his friends and family for being a very caring and hard-working man.  He emigrated to the United States in 2005.  A prayer leader at the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin for about six years, Prakash Singh had gone to India in June, returning with his wife, 11-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. He is survived by his wife and two children.  He reunited with his family just 45 days ago, after 7 years.

Suveg Singh Kattra was born on July 6, 1928 in Patiala,Punjab, India.  Suveg Singh made his living by farming and decided to emigrate to the United States in 2004. Suveg Singh was a strong and devout man who was very devoted to his gurdwara and faith. He will be remembered by those around him for his punctuality in everything he did, and is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren.  Suveg Singh lived with his family and was known to come to the temple early in the morning and stay through the evening. He will be immensely missed at his granddaughter’s wedding in Haryana, India, this December. Infinite sadness has filled her heart, knowing her grandfather won’t be there to see her get married.

Satwant Singh Kaleka died defending the Gurdwara he built, attempting to fend off a gunman who attacked worshippers Sunday, family members said. He was born June 2, 1947, in Kaleki Dugal, Punjab, India.  Satwant Singh came to the United States in 1982 with $100 in his pocket and worked tirelessly to give back to others, build a solid foundation and future for his family, as well as build a vibrant Sikh community in the south of the city. His tireless dedication and commitment to the Sikh community and religion, as well as his deep seeded and unshakable faith, kept him resilient, despite the endeavor. He was the go-to man in every situation, for many.

Satwant Singh spearheaded the growth of the congregation, and has been president of the Gurdwara since 1996. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and three grandchildren. Satwant Singh was a fearless, selfless, and dedicated protector of his temple, community, and loved ones, and he played that role until his very last breath. He dedicated his life to the gurdwara, faith, and Sikh religion, and would not have had it any other way, even to his dying day.

While they are no longer with us, and we all feel the loss of these brave and proud souls, we must  not forget their dedication to Sikhi and the fearlessness they displayed.  They must remain a shining example for how Sikhs should act and help us keep renewed sprirts of Chardhi-kalla.

WATCH LIVE STREAMING ONLINE AT: WWW.MSNBC.COM and CNN Online and Local CBS NEWS

National Moment of Reflection: On Sunday, August 12, we request that Sikhs and non-Sikhs across the country join us in a National Moment of Reflection as we honor the memory of the departed. We hope that this National Moment of Reflection at Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, Temples, Gurdwaras, and community centers across America will send a message of peace and unity against intolerance.

While the official time of the shootings was at 10:20am CST, we encourage you to choose a time and reflection that will have the most impact on your sangat.

Please share this message with your friends, family, and other communities and congregations.   More details here.

Read more about the vigil here: Thousands Show Support for Sikhs (Brookfield Patch)

BROCHURE: Who Are the Sikhs
• VIDEO: Inside a Sikh Gurdwara (CNN)
• WEBSITE: Learn About Sikhs

Now is the time to come together as a united Sikh sangat and to live in the true spirit of chardhi-kalaa. We should all look to the Wisconsin community, and the remarkable resolve and character that they have displayed, as examples of this spirit.

We are humbled by the outpouring of national support for the congregation in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and the Sikh American community.  Your support reminds us that we are all part of a common American fabric.

On Sunday, August 12, we ask you and your congregation and community to join us in a National Moment of Reflection as we honor the memory of the victims.

At the end of every Sikh service, the congregation makes a request of the Divine in a prayer called ardas. This last request  is for “sarbat da bhalla“, “May everyone in the world be blessed and may good come to all”.  We hope that this National Moment of Reflection at churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras, and community centers across America will send the message of blessings for all, and that we stand united against hate and intolerance and as part of a common humanity.

While the official time of the shootings was at 10:20am CST, we encourage you to choose a time and reflection that will have the most meaning in your community, such as a moment of silence or a prayer during a worship service.

Please share this message with your friends, family, and other communities and congregations.  And let us know that your congregation will be participating by leaving your organization’s name and location at this website or send an email to info@saldef.org.   Individuals can also sign up to participate on Facebook.

Thank you,

The Sikh American Community

You can download a copy to print and share with your neighbors here.

Organizations standing in solidarity with the Sikh American community include (this list will be updated)

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
The Baha’i House of Worship for North America
Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Grace Communion International
Hindu American Foundation
The Interfaith Alliance
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
Japanese American Citizen’s League (JACL)
Metropolitan Community Churches
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
OCA
The Orthodox Church in America
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT)
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
Temple Emanuel, Pueblo, CO
Zen Buddhist Congregation, Chicago, IL
Congregation Sha’are Shalom, Leesburg, VA
All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), Sterling, VA
Olympia Zen Center (A Soto Zen Buddhist Community), Olympia, WA
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Selma, CA
Bodhi Spiritual Center, Chicago, IL
Temple Solel, Paradise Valley, AZ
Treeleaf Zendo (A Soto Zen Sangha)
Christ Church, Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians, Kailua, HI
St Edmund’s Episcopal Church, Pacifica, CA
St Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral
St Paul”s Episcopal Church, Bellingham, WA
Church of the Holy Communion, Hawthorne, FL
Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Micanopy, FL
Holy Trinity Episcopal
Council on American-Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area
Lakeside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC
St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church, Raleigh, NC
Mount Equity Zendo, Pennsdale, PA
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Paramus, NJ
Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, Falls Village, CT

Here, we provide an update on what is happening in Wisconsin, across the nation, and actions community members can take to show support for the victims.

National Observances and Candlelight Vigil for Solidarity
Sikh Americans across the nations are urged to gather and hold to and reflect on this tragedy. Wednesday, August 8, is being observed as a National Day of Remembrance and Solidarity. We encourage communities to post their observances on this page.

As you begin to plan events locally, please reach out to SALDEF at info@saldef.org so that we can share it online and through social media.

To help you organize an event in your area, we have created an organizing toolkit available here. Additionally, we have worked with our partners at the Sikh Coalition, the Sikh Research Institute, and UNITED SIKHS, to develop a set of talking points about Sikhism, post 9/11 incidents, and what people can do to help the victims and their families.

Additionally, on Sunday, August 12, we request Sikhs and people of all faiths to observe a moment of silence, sing a poignant shabad or in some way honor the victims of this tragedy at their gurdwaras and places of worship.

On August 6, President Obama issued a proclamation ordering that all flags should be flown at half-staff through Friday, August 10, to honor the victims of the shooting.

Update from Wisconsin
A press conference held on the morning of August 7, shared information about the shooting at the Gurdwara in Oak Creek. This past Sunday, Wade Michael Page, opened fired on members at the Gurdwara. He shot and killed six people, critically injured three others, including a police officer who was first to respond to the scene.

The names of the deceased and injured were released. Five men and one woman were killed; Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65; Prakash Singh, 39, Paramjit Kaur, 41; and Suveg Singh, 84. Three people remain in critical condition; Bhai Punjab Singh, Santokh Singh, and the first officer to respond to the scene, Lt. Brian Murphy. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families, and we offer a special thanks to Lt. Murphy for his bravery and valor and would like to acknowledge the heroism and sacrifice of Shaheed Satwant Singh Kaleka.

Read more about the victims — Wisconsin Temple Shooting Victims: Putting Others First (CNN)

SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, has been in Oak Creek, Wisconsin since the night of Sunday, August 5. Jasjit has been working hand-in-hand with community members, the Oak Creek Police Department, the FBI and the local media, as well as our colleagues at Sikh Coalition and UNITED SIKHS.  Additionally, SALDEF staff have been responding to hundreds of media requests in the past two days, and continue to conduct interviews with numerous media sources to ensure accurate portrayal of the Sikh faith and ensure that the gravity of this unprecedented event is given ample coverage. Examples include:

• AUDIO — Oak Creek Tragedy Puts Sikh Community in Spotlight (NPR)
• VIDEO — Interview on Fox WakeUp (Fox News)
• AUDIO — Sikhs Face More Attacks After 9/11 (NPR)

Details on the Investigation and Possible Motive
As details emerge about the gunman, SALDEF has been in contact with federal authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is made into this incident. Page, was a 41-year-old white male who was alleged to have ties to white supremacist groups well known to hate-group monitoring organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center.  According to ADL’s Center on Extremism, Page was the leader of “End Apathy,” a white power music band affiliated with the longstanding hardcore racist skinhead group with a history of violence and hate crimes. The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that Page was a “frustrated neo-Nazi.”  Knowing this information, it is apparent that Page purposely targeted the members of the Gurdwara out of feelings of hatred.

Support
To support the victims, the injured police officer, and their families, we ask that, in a show of solidarity with Wisconsin and its Sikh community, that you please donate now. All contributions are tax-deductible. The funds will be used to defray the costs of medical bills, funeral expenses, psychological counseling and sustaining the lives of the widowed. To donate, please go to https://www.wepay.com/donations/wearesikhs and click Contribute Now!

Resources

• BROCHURE — Who are the Sikhs Brochure
• WEBSITE — Learn About Sikhs
• BROCHURE –Welcome to the Gurdwara Brochure
• DOCUMENT — Summary of Sikh American Community Observations
• HOW TO GUIDE — Organizing a Vigil in your Local Community

Earlier today, a shooting occurred at the Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh congregational place of worship) in Oak Creek, WI, in what law enforcement has described as an act of domestic terrorism.  The unprecedented attack has left seven people dead and injured over a handful of innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Oak Creek community following this tragic attack at the Gurdwara.

“The Sikh American community, like all Americans, is shocked after this attack,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh.  “We mourn the loss of those who were killed today and pray for the swift recovery of the those injured, including the veteran police officer who put himself in harm’s way to protect his community.”

SALDEF thanks our friends and neighbors from across the country for the outpouring of support and condolences as we come together to mourn and heal as one unified national community standing together against violence and bigotry.

“This attack is particularly troubling due to its occurrence at a place of worship,” said Mr. Singh. “All houses of worship, like this gurdwara, are places of peace. Attacks at any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. This type of crime strikes at the very foundation of religious freedom, among the fundamental principles upon which this country was built.”

SALDEF is responding to many of local and national media inquiries to provide accurate and timely information as they report on the tragic events of the day, and we will continue to serve as a resource through the coming days. If you receive any media requests that you would like assistance with please contact SALDEF at 202.393.2700 or at Click here to email.

***WATCH FOR FREE ONLINE AT THIS WEBSITE***

Hear the campaigns of the Presidential candidates, President Barack Obama (D) and Governor Mitt Romney (R), address issues important to the Sikh American and Asian Pacific Islander American community.

Presidential Town Hall
Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 3-6pm Eastern Time (2-5pm Central/12-3pm Pacific)
Center for the Arts Concert Hall at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

Where you can join us and watch the event:

Join us at one of viewing parties being held across the nation:

California

Gurdwara Sahib Walnut
20001 E Walnut Drive, Walnut, CA 91789

Buena Park Gurdwara Sahib
7122 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621

Riverside Gurdwara
7940 Mission Blvd, Riverside, CA 92509

Khalsa Care Foundation
9989 Laurel Canyon Rd, Pacioma, CA 91331

Connecticut

Connecticut Sikh Association, Inc. (Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar)
1610 West Street, Southington, CT 06489

Guru Tegh Bahadur Foundation
622 West Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850

Illinois

Sikh Religious Society of Chicago
1280 Winnetka St, Palatine, IL 60067

Maryland

Guru Nanak Foundation of America
12917 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD

Texas

Gurdwara Singh Sabha of North Texas (Richardson)
1201 Abrams Road, Richardson, TX 75081

Are you in the Washington, DC area? RSVP and join us in person!  Click here to reserve your seat.

Not in Washington, DC? You can watch the program online by visiting this site.

Host a viewing event at your gurdwara so your local sangat can see what the candidates have to say. All you need is a computer with access to the internet. (Be sure to connect it to a project and speakers so everyone can hear it.) Send us an email letting us know your gurdwara is open to the sangat and co-hosting the town hall!

Download a poster to put up in your gurdwara – English and Punjabi
Download an announcement to give at your gurdwara – English and Punjabi
Download a sign in sheet to help us learn how many people watched at your gurdwara – Sign in Sheet

“This program provided me the most inspiring and valuable weekend of my life.  I not only have 16 other young leaders who I can call family; I also have developed insights which I will take throughout my life” – Former Leadership Development Program Participant

Following our highly successful inaugural year, SALDEF is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next class of the SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program (LDP)! LDP is a two-part program designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

Click here to apply now to this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The program brings together approximately 15 young Sikh American leaders from across the country to participate in six days of training spread over two holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day). Attendees participate in a series of challenging workshops, group activities and thought provoking discussions to promote personal development, build leadership skills and gain community empowerment skills.

WATCH: Slideshow of inaugural program held in Washington, DC (Part I)

READ:  Blog post on LDP from a participant last year

WATCH: Slideshow of inaugural program held in Los Angeles, CA (Part II)

Apply Now!

Part I of the training will be held in Washington, DC from October 5-8, 2012 and Part II will be held in Los Angeles, CA from May 24-27, 2013.  The program fee of $250 covers roundtrip airfares (to Washington, DC and Los Angeles), lodging, food and program materials for both parts of the LDP program. Limited need based financial assistance is available.  The application deadline is Sunday, August 12, 2012.

Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org!

• SALDEF Speaks at North American Conference for South Asian Attorneys
• SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Trainings in Connecticut
• SALDEF Speaks at Asian American Collegiate Conference
• Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. Allow Kirpans
• SALDEF Co-sponsors National Event Honoring Vincent Chin
• New Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus Launched
• SikhLEAD Networking Luncheon
• SALDEF Participates in Capacity Building Training Program
• Career Fair in Washington D.C.!
• Upcoming Events

SALDEF Speaks at North American Conference for South Asian Attorneys
SALDEF was asked to participate in the annual North American South Asian Bar Association Conference (NASABA) that took place in Philadelphia during June 28th -30th.  SALDEF Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, spoke on a panel addressing how 10 years later, the South Asian community is still affected by 9/11.  The panel addressed NYPD surveillance of American Muslims, anti-Islamic FBI training materials, and the continuing incidences of hate crimes committed against South Asians today.The conference was attended by over 300 attorneys from around the country.

SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Trainings in Connecticut
On June 20th and 21st, SALDEF presented to local law enforcement agencies and staff and administration of the United States Attorney’s office in Seymour, Connecticut.  The audience also included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services and U.S. Attorney David B. Fien.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground, which was co-produced with the Department of Justice. The session was interactive, and spurred an informative question-answer session dialogue following the presentation. SALDEF would like to thank SALDEF Regional Director Jaswant Chani, Amarjit Singh, and Capt. Raman Jit Singh for their leadership in executing these trainings

If you are interested in SALDEF providing training for your local law enforcement, please contact us.

SALDEF Speaks at Asian American Collegiate Conference
On June 8th and 9th, SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, and Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, spoke to college students from around the country taking part in the Japanese American Citizen’s League’s (JACL) annual Collegiate Conference. On two separate occasions during the conference, Jasjit and Amrita addressed the students about challenges, such as employment discrimination, hate crimes, racial profiling and school bullying, that continue to face Sikh-Americans post 9/11. SALDEF and JACL are coalition partners working together to address important civil rights issues facing Sikh Americans and the broader Asian American community.

Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. Allow Kirpans
Earlier this month SALDEF was able to secure official notice that kirpans are now allowed inside Smithsonian museums.  SALDEF reached out to the Smithsonian after learning that many Sikh visitors have been asked to remove their kirpan before entering.  Smithsonian representatives stated that their new policy allows kirpans with blades of 2.5 inches or less in length. SALDEF appreciates the Smithsonian for instituting the policy and allowing Sikh Americans the opportunity to support the rich history it works to preserve and present.  If you have faced issues with accommodations around the Sikh articles of faith, please contact SALDEF.

SALDEF Co-sponsors National Event Honoring Vincent Chin
Last week,  SALDEF staff and Sikh American community members participated and attended Vincent Chin 30: Standing Up Then & Now, an event hosted by civil rights leaders and organizations, in honor of Asian-American hate crime victim Vincent Chin, whose unfortunate death sparked a new activism among Asian-Americans around the country.  The event highlighted accomplishments, and focused on the importance of collaborative and joint-community work around law and policy changes, education and awareness for the future of civil rights advocates around the country.

New Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus Launched
On June 28th, Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) launched the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus (CABC). The Caucus is comprised of more than 40 Members of Congress who are committed, in bi-partisan fashion, to the belief that all communities deserve a safe environment to thrive, and that our nation is in urgent need of solutions that stop bullying – both offline and online – now and forever. The launch of CABC was marked by a full-day of events focused on the impact of bullying in our nation and featured several panels containing experts and parents culminated with an evening screening off the film ‘Bully’.

SikhLEAD Networking Luncheon
On June 27th, SALDEF organized a Luncheon to connect professional Sikh Americans working in government with Sikh American summer interns in Washington, DC.  The program featured speakers from the White House, Capitol Hill, US Attorney’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and US AID.  The speakers provided career advice and guidance to the young Sikhs and encouraged them to consider positions in government.  SALDEF is thankful to Arent Fox LLP for hosting the event.

SALDEF Participates in Capacity Building Training Program
During the weekend of June 22nd – June 24th, SALDEF was privileged to participate in the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) workshop entitled, “We Build Community.” This three day workshop brought together six community-based organizations from around the country and focused on issues related to racial justice, advocacy, and non-profit management.  Trainings such as these help to strengthen SALDEF and allow us to better serve the community.

Career Fair in Washington D.C.!
SALDEF is excited to partner with CAPAL on the 3rd Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Career Fair on Friday, July 13th at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. This will be a unique opportunity to match students and professionals with top employers in the Washington, DC area. More information can be found on our website at www.capal.org/careerfair. This career fair will be free to the general public. A broad range of federal/local government agencies, non-profits, and private sector employers will be in attendance.  SALDEF encourages all interested parties to attend!

Upcoming Events
o    July 12 — MBTA Police Academy—Boston, MA
o    July 13 – Asian American Career Fair in Washington, DC
o    July 18 — ICE-ERO Cultural Awareness Training — Warwick, RI
o    July 19 — ICE-ERO Cultural Awareness Training — Manchester, NH
o    July 22 – Know Your Rights Forum – Fresno, CA
o    July 23-24 — ICE-ERO Cultural — Burlington, MA
o    July 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – West Sacramento, CA

As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing efforts to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a series of  Know Your Rights (KYR) Forums for the Sikh American communities of Northern and Central California in the month of July.

July 22nd:
Gurdwara Nanak Parkash, Fresno
12-1pm

July 29th:
Sikh Temple West Sacramento
11-12pm

The following government agencies and representatives will provide community members with important information about employment discrimination, hate crimes, and government resources. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, Local Law Enforcement Officials, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Department of Education will be presenting to community members. Additionally, this will be an opportunity to network with government recruiters and discuss employment opportunities.

Since 2002, SALDEF has organized numerous educational workshops for Sikh American communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

SALDEF would like to thank the management of Gurdwara Nanak Parkash, Fresno and Sikh Temple West, Sacramento for participating, the leaders of the local Sikh American community, as well as the participating government agencies for their support.

For additional information about this event or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your community, please contact Birpal Kaur by email at info@saldef.org or via phone at 213.985.1116.

Please distribute this widely to family, friends and at your local Gurdwara.

Vincent Chin 30: Standing Up Then and Now Watch Party
Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

On Saturday, June 23, 2012, there will be a nationwide Google Hangout* with leading civil rights leaders from around the country featuring Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAIR-SF Executive Director Zahra Billoo, OCA Executive Director Tom Hayashi, Asian American Justice Center Executive Director Mee Moua and more with Guest Moderator Phil Yu of Angry Asian Man.

Click here to find a viewing party near you!

In 1982, Vincent Chin was the victim of a hate crime murder in Detroit. Thirty years later, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to face discrimination and bullying. In light of recent tragedies like the extreme hazing and subsequent death of Pvt. Danny Chen and the continuing effects of 9/11, what can Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders do to stand up against racism and discrimination?

In the San Francisco area?
Join SALDEF for an event that the Bay Area chapter of APAP and the Center for Asian American Media are co-presenting a local program which includes the national broadcast, a film screening of “Vincent Who?” and a local conversation on hate crimes & bullying. This conversation will be moderated by R.J. Lozada from APEX Express, a local radio show from an Asian American perspective. The program will follow with a Q&A and will be broadcast on radio and recorded.

SALDEF is working with the organizers of the events in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, and encourages Sikhs across the country to attend a hearing in their town and make sure to present the voice of the Sikh American community.

In the Washington DC area?
Join the DC Watch Party of Vincent Chin 30: Standing Up Then and Now, at the Offices of the Center for American Progress on 1333 H ST NW.
Doors Open at 1:30pm, Program Begins at 2:00pm
Register here, RSVP on Facebook here.

In another part of the country?
Find a viewing party near you, or host your own viewing party! All you need is an internet connection, a screen and comfortable seating. If you do plan on hosting a viewing party please contact SALDEF immediately via email at Click here to email or at 202.393.2700

Amrita Bamrah
White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Amrita is entering her third year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign working towards a dual-degree in Economics and Global Studies. Her studies focus on governance and conflict resolution particularly in South Asia. Amrita’s interest in the region has led her to intern for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. As an aspiring lawyer, she serves on the board of the Pre-Law Honors Society on campus and is also a leader of the university’s Sikh Student Association. She attends various conferences and panels where she speaks about the many issues Sikhs in America face today, aiming to create and spread awareness about the faith.  She also has a passion for art, spending her free time creating oil paintings and sketches.

Amrita Sehgal
Intern with Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA)
Amrita Sehgal is entering her fourth and final year at the University of California, Berkeley. She will graduate with a degree in Economics, and plans on working for a few years before attending medical school. In addition to practicing medicine, she would like to pursue a career researching health care policy. As a Congressional Intern, Amrita hopes to gain relevant experience researching and working under the Health Care Committee in the House of Representatives. At home, in Palo Alto, California, Amrita is involved in the Sikh community where she routinely gives speeches delving into the meaning of the Guru Granth Sahib at local kirtans.

Jaywin Singh Malhi
Intern with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Jaywin Singh Malhi is a junior at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and is double-majoring in Business Management and Political Science. Jaywin is a Senator in SMU’s Student Senate and involved in various committees across campus, from the Vice President’s Student Advisory Board to the Honor Council. After completing his undergraduate studies,  Jaywin plans to attend law school and hopes to pursue a career in corporate law and later, public service. In his spare time, Jaywin enjoys playing the tabla, public-speaking, juggling, and people-watching.

Suneet Dhillon
SALDEF Legal and Legislative Intern
Suneet is a recent graduate from the Ohio State University with a dual B.A. in International Studies and in English. As a civil rights advocate, she is drawn to working with communities that are negatively impacted racially and socio-economically. Currently, she is a corps member for Teach For America, where she works to close the achievement gap for students in Prince George’s County Public Schools. In 2010, Suneet was an intern on Capitol Hill with Congressman Zack Space (D-OH). SALDEF provides Suneet the opportunity to combine her civil rights interests with her strong desire to improve awareness about the Sikh community.

Maninder Saini
Intern with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Maninder is a junior at the University of California, Santa Cruz studying Economics and Mathematics. Through his work as a Resident Assistant, Maninder is involved in community building and development with an emphasis on social justice and environmental responsibility. Maninder’s work with social justice issues has led to his interests in civil rights and raising awareness of the challenges faced by minorities. This work has fostered Maninder’s interests in public finance and policy. Growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, Maninder has an affinity for computers and technology and in his spare time enjoys playing basketball and watching ESPN.

Gurkaran Singh
Intern with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Gurkaran is a sophomore at New York University majoring in Global Liberal Studies with a concentration in East Asia, politics, rights and human development. He has lived in both Texas and New York. Having volunteered in a variety of Sikh organizations and Gurdwaras, Gurkaran has seen, interacted with, and understands many of the problems facing a diverse range of Sikhs from all over the country. Pursuing a degree in law or business, Gurkaran  strives to provide for and consult fellow Sikhs with their legal and financial problems and hopes to aid and further empower the Sikh American community.

Manjot Singh
SALDEF Development Intern
Manjot is a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a degree in Philosophy. He has been involved in the Southern California Sikh community for many years and was recently appointed the Director of External Events of the Sikh Student Association at UCLA. He also writes for The Daily Bruin and is a part of the Cultural Affairs Commission, which promotes cultural, political and social empowerment on campus. He is excited to be in Washington, DC this summer, advocating for the rights of Sikhs and addressing the misrepresentation of Sikhs in the media.

Last month, SALDEF successfully concluded its inaugural Leadership Development Program (LDP), under its ground-breaking SikhLEAD youth development initiative.  The program selected 17 highly talented and accomplished young Sikh Americans from around the country for 6 days of leadership training, professional development and advocacy training.  The program spanned two weekends, the first in Washington, DC in October and the second in Los Angeles, CA in May.  The latter of these weekends focused on providing the participants with “tools for change” including an understanding of how to influence policy makers, organize communities, and leverage media to positively impact the Sikh community.

See Slideshow of Pictures

“We are proud of each of our new graduates and are excited to see the great things they will do for the community”, said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF’s Managing Director. “We also look forward to their involvement with the next class of participants as they take an active role in creating a network of emerging Sikh American leaders.”

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh American leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The purpose of this program is to empower Sikh American youth in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

SALDEF is indebted to many who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the program:

•    Dr. Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California
•    Tanzila Ahmed, Asian Pacific American Legal Center
•    Jheanelle Wilkins and Bree Romero, The Leadership Conference
•    Salam Al-Marayati, Executive Director, MPAC
•    George Wu, Former Executive Director of OCA

LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the following sponsors: Comcast, Genworth Wealth Management, and Southwest Airlines. We would also like to thank Hargobind Singh of LA Active Adventures for his assistance with the LDP program. If you would like to support the SikhLEAD initiative, click here.

Applications for the next class will be available at SikhLEAD.org very soon!

Sikh Americans have become too familiar with racial profiling, from airport screenings to traffic stops, it is time to put an end to this practice! Urge Senators to end racial profiling today!

The End Racial Profiling Act of 2011 (ERPA) will ban profiling by federal, state and local law enforcement based on race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.

ERPA takes these important steps to ban racial profiling:

• Makes it unlawful for federal, state, local, or Indian tribal law enforcement to profile based on race, religion, ethnicity or national origin;
• Creates a private right of action for victims of profiling, which would allow individuals who believe they have been subject to racial profiling to sue the agent or agency they believe to have violated ERPA;
• Allows the U.S. Attorney General to withhold grants from state law enforcement agencies that are not complying with ERPA;
• Requires training on racial profiling for law enforcement agents;
• Requires data collection and monitoring mechanisms such as complaint processes; and
• For the first time, ERPA prohibits racial profiling in the context of law enforcement surveillance activities.

Email a letter of support today!

Tweet your support for the End Racial Profiling Act!
#EndRP2012 #Racialprofiling #ERPA

Tweet these Senators and urge them to support the bill!
•    Brown (OH): @SenSherrodBrown
•    Franken (MN): @Alfranken
•    Graham (SC):  @Grahamblog
•    Schumer (NY): @ChuckSchumer
•    Wyden (OR): @RonWyden

SALDEF Meets with Massachusetts Governor to Discuss Community Issues

In a meeting with Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts on May 24th, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Singh Chani raised issues affecting the local Sikh American community.  In a written letter to the Governor, the following issues were raised: 1) The inclusion of Sikhism in middle school curriculum, 2) The inclusion of an Anti-Sikh category in hate crime reporting statistics and 3) Sikh Americans to serve as police officers while maintaining their articles of faith.  The meeting was attended by community leaders of other faiths and nationalities.

Washington DC Police Department First to Fully Accommodate Sikh Officers

Last month SALDEF spearheaded a groundbreaking and pioneering effort by partnering with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to secure policy changes allowing for observant Sikh Americans to become full-fledged police officers without compromising their articles of faith.  Under the new uniform guidelines, Sikh American police officers can maintain their articles of faith while on duty, including their turbans and beards. The guidelines remove barriers to employment often faced by Sikh Americans in other public safety positions. Washington, DC, is now the largest city in the United States in which Sikh Americans can become full-time uniformed police officers, joining their counterparts across the world.

SALDEF Continues Advocacy for Sikh American Youth

On Thursday, May 24th, SALDEF, along with partners from the National Safe Schools Partnership met with a number of Congressional Representatives’ offices in our continued effort to gain support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA).  If enacted, SSIA will require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well being of all their students. There are currently 158 supporters in the House and 41 in the Senate.  To make sure your Congressman supports SSIA today,click here!

If you or someone you know is facing bullying and harassment issues at school,contact SALDEF immediately.

SALDEF Hosts Successful Know Your Rights Forum in Seattle, WA

On May 14th, a Know Your Rights Forum was successfully hosted in Washington state for over 200 members of the Greater Seattle area sangat.  Issues concerning workplace discrimination, school bullying, hate crimes, and public accommodations were presented and discussed. Representatives from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Seattle Police Department, Hate/Biased Based Crimes Unit spoke to the sangat about how to file the proper complaints regarding workplace discrimination, hate crimes, biased-based incidents and more.  SALDEF would like to offer our thanks to the Gurdwara management committee of Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Renton, WA for their support and assistance of this event.

If you would like to have a Know Your Rights Forum hosted in your local community, please  contact us.

SALDEF Presents at California API Policy Summit

For the second year in a row, SALDEF was privileged to present at the California API Policy Summit in Sacramento, CA. On April 30th, SALDEF co-hosted a workshop with CAIR-LA on advocacy and community building. Entitled, Powermapping: Leveraging the Policy Environment, the workshop aimed at setting the framework for addressing community issues and solving these problems through leveraging relationships and networks.  The workshop also guided participants who are currently working to combat local and federal issues, such as law enforcement policing issues and workplace discrimination, facing the Sikh and Muslim American communities today. The Summit had over 400 attendees and featured discussions on key issues and policy proposals affecting the Asian American community, and action based incentives for community and civil rights advocacy organizations.

Asian Pacific American May Heritage Month Celebrated with Civil Rights Summit

On May 9, 2012, SALDEF participated in the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) Summit at the Capitol in Washington, DC.  As part of this summit, SALDEF assisted in a civil rights round table discussion featuring speakers from the around the country discussing topics related to voter rights and suppression and racial and religious profiling.

Additionally, at this summit, NCAPA released Our Communities, Our Priorities, Our Country: 2012 Policy Blueprint for Action, an introduction to six top priority issue areas of concern for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community with recommendations for stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders. To view a copy of the report, click here.

SALDEF Works with Civil Rights Groups in Monitoring LAPD SARs Program

Earlier this month Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Deputy Chief Michael Downing agreed to make some recommended changes to Special Order 1 and the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SARs) program.  Local advocacy groups, including ACLU-SC, MPAC, CAIR and others have been engaging with LAPD officials to make necessary changes to the SARs program. In March, the advocacy groups sent a letter to LAPD urging that the agency halt Special Order 1 (SO1) until civil liberties concerns were adequately addressed.  Chief Downing agreed to important changes to the policy, including: clarifying that the policy does not authorize collection or sharing of information on less than reasonable suspicion of criminal or terrorist activity, and that the constitutional requirements for pat-downs, detentions and searches apply equally when investigating suspicious activity.

The groups will continue to push for these and additional changes, as necessary, to ensure the preservation of Angelenos’ civil liberties with respect to LAPD’s SAR program.  To read the joint statement,click here.

To report any issues with law enforcement in your area, contact us.

APIA Vote Summer Internship Opportunity—Spend the Summer in Washington DC!

The Asian Pacific Islander American Vote Project is looking for passionate college students to fill 5 paid internship positions during this summer in Washington DC.  The APIAVote Internship Program strives to encourage and cultivate young AAPI student leaders to explore a career in the public sector or the political arena. This internship program will also provide hands on experience and training on how to organize and implement voter activities to increase the participation of AAPIs in the electoral process.  These internships focus specially on youth leadership and activism, SALDEF encourages interested applicants to contact us if interested (disregard the deadline listed on the website).

SALDEF Engages with Orange County Youth via Interfaith Panel

On May 31, SALDEF participated in an Interfaith religious panel at Laguna Hills High School, along with panelists from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Mormon, and Muslim communities. The panelists provided insightful perspectives on various spiritual and religious paths. Community Relations Associate, Birpal Kaur, presented on the Sikh faith to over 100 high school seniors, who had prepared questions on theology, religious practices, and interfaith efforts, and educated the students about misconceptions and the core beliefs within Sikhism. Members of the faculty and school board representatives were also in attendance in support of this annual panel to bring different perspectives of faith to the graduating students, who all received SALDEF publications.

If you would like to coordinate a presentation at your high school, or in your local community, please contact us.

Upcoming Events:

• June 8th-9th – Presentations at the  Japanese American Citizens League 2012 Collegiate Leadership Conference
• June 14th – End Racial Profiling Act Action Day – Washington D.C.
• June 23 – National Townhall on Hate Crimes and Bullying
• June 25th-27th – Interfaith Youth Leadership Initiative – Los Angeles, CA
• June 29 – Panel on Effects of 9/11 after 10 years at National South Asian Bar Association Annual Convention – Philadelphia, PA
• July 22nd – Know Your Rights Forum — Fresno, CA
• July 29th – Know Your Rights Forum –West Sacramento, CA
• August 5th – Know Your Rights Forum — Ft. Lauderdale, FL

In his remarks, Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Executive Director, highlighted the critical issue of racial profiling.  He said “Racial profiling is something of great concern not only to the Asian American communities represented here, but to Americans of various backgrounds.  The practice of racial profiling relies on the flawed assumption that a particular crime is most likely to be committed by members of a particular racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.  We collectively oppose this practice not only because it is demeaning and contrary to the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law but also because it is simply not effective in keeping our country safe.”

SALDEF encouraged the Senators to support the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) which prohibits racial profiling by local, state and federal law enforcement.

Learn more about ERPA and encourage your senator to support this important bill!

Other senators present at the meeting included Senator Harry Reid (NV),
Senator Mark Begich (AK), Senator Daniel Akaka (HI), Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT), Senator Al Franken (MN), Senator Jeff Merkley (OR), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Senator Dick Durbin (IL), and Senator Thomas Carper (DE). SALDEF appreciates the outreach efforts by the Senate committee to listen to and engage with AAPI civil rights leaders about important issues affecting the community.  We look forward to continuing this dialogue with other federal and local legislators.

To view past SALDEF engagement with federal legislators and agencies, see below:

• SALDEF Meets with FBI Director Mueller
• Protecting Sikh American Students
• SALDEF Meets with TSA Leadership

SALDEF’s Eight Year Partnership with MPD Results in Uniform Policy Change

Today the seventh largest police force in the nation became the first major police department in the United States to explicitly and voluntarily allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time, uniformed police officers while keeping their articles of faith.

“I am proud of this new policy which reflects the values of the MPD.  Making it clear that Sikh Americans may protect the Nation’s Capital and may serve their community as full-time officers reflects the promise we made to have a police force that serves as a model for those around the world.   It is important that all those who live in, work in, and visit the District see our values and commitment to the community in our officers,” said Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in an event at police headquarters.

Tweet your support @DCPoliceDept #SikhPD

“Nine years ago, Sikh Americans had to sue to become traffic enforcement officers.  Today, the Nation’s Capital is inviting all Sikh Americans to become full-time, full-fledged police officers,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director of SALDEF. “Our articles of faith are signs of our commitment to equality and public service – the same values held by every law enforcement officer, the same values represented by the MPD uniform.”

Under the new uniform guidelines, Sikh American police officers can maintain their articles of faith while on duty, including their turbans and beards. The guidelines remove barriers to employment often faced by Sikh Americans in other public safety positions. Washington, DC, is now the largest city in the United States in which Sikh Americans can become full-time uniformed police officers, joining their counterparts across the world.

“We are pleased to partner with MPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community”, said Mr. Singh. “Chief Lanier and MPD recognize the importance of breaking down barriers to service.  This first of a kind guidance by one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies serves as a model for other agencies across the country.”

The policy is the result of an eight year partnership between MPD and SALDEF. Since 2004, over 4,000 MPD officers have participated in cultural awareness training through SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program.

“Due to this new policy, Sikh Americans have an equal opportunity to serve in the Nation’s Capital,” said Mr. Singh. “We encourage Sikh Americans to pursue careers with MPD, the first major police department to allow Sikh Americans to serve and protect their neighbors as full-time officers while maintaining their religious identity.”

Click here for the Punjabi version.

UPDATE ( 5/25/12):

National and International Coverage of Historic Announcement Reaches Millions

Last week, Washington Metro Police Department (MPD), became the nation’s first major police department in the United States to explicitly and voluntarily allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time, uniformed police officers while keeping their articles of faith.  This historic change was the result of SALDEF’s eight-year partnership with MPD.

The announcement was welcomed by Sikhs throughout America and the world as a step forward for the community.  National and international media coverage of the announcement resulted in hundreds of news stories and blog posts discussing topics ranging from Sikh theology to the history of Sikhs in law enforcement capacities around the world.

Coverage of the Event:

LISTEN: MPD: Turbans Approved For Police Force (National Public Radio)

LISTEN: DC Police Allow Sikh Officers To Wear Beards And Turbans (CBS Radio)

WATCH: Press Conference Recording (SALDEF)

READ:

D.C. police to allow Sikh officers to wear beards, religious items on job (Washington Post)

DC police: Sikh officers can wear beards, turbans (Wall Street Journal / Associated Press)

Sikhs can now serve on D.C.’s police force (National Post / AFP)

“Ground breaking policy changes like this open employment opportunities for our community and can positively shape the image of Sikhs in America as we are seen protecting our neighbors.” said Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Executive Director.  “We congratulate the entire community on this victory and encourage Sikh Americans to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Watch the hearing live here and follow our live coverage on Twitter.

It is important that Congress knows the Sikh American community opposes racial profiling. Click here to send a message to your members of Congress today urging them to co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act.

Racial profiling allows Sikh Americans and others to be singled out for questioning, detention, and other law enforcement activities based on their religion or ethnicity rather than their individual behaviors. Additionally, states like Arizona and Alabama have passed draconian anti-immigration laws in which American citizens are forced to prove their citizenship simply because they look different or have an accent.

Learn if your Congressman supports a law which would:

• Require training on racial profiling issues as part of law enforcement training
• Allow the community to know if law enforcement is engaging in racial profiling
• Improve the response to incidents of racial profiling
• Prohibit racial profiling by any law enforcement agent or law enforcement agency

Take a stand against racial profiling and urge members of Congress to take action.Write to members of Congress today to urge that they co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act!

Personalize your letter to make it even more effective. Tell your Congressmen that putting an end to racial and religious profiling is important to you!

(3/2/12, Washington, DC)— This past Tuesday, February 28, 2012, a Sikh American family from Sterling, Virginia received a letter containing death threats addressed to ‘Turban Family’.

The text of the letter was as follows:

“Our People in the neighborhood have been closely watching your activities and figured out you are a close associate of a secret Taliban movement on the US Soil. We ask you to leave the country as soon as possible otherwise one of our people is going to shoot you dead. Don’t attempt to relocate somewhere else in America as people are closely monitoring your day to day activities.”

Click here to see the actual letter

This family has been the target of previous hate crimes as well.  In 2003, while living in Gaithersburg, Maryland their home was vandalized with graffiti and they received two threatening letters.  Then, in 2005, after moving to Leesburg, Virginia, they received two more death threats via mail.  In the latter of these cases, the FBI was able to apprehend a suspect for the threat.

SALDEF has been in contact with the FBI and local law enforcement and urges them to fully investigate this incident as a hate crime.

“Incidents like these are constant reminders of the challenges that Sikh Americans face as a result of our unique identity.  In the absence of awareness about who are and what we stand for, Sikh Americans continue to endure harassment, discrimination and threats which run counter to the American ideals ,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh. “We call upon local and federal law enforcement agencies to rightfully classify this incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice to show that hate and violence are not tolerated in our society.”

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities.  Click here to report an incident via the online form.

150 Employment Discrimination Specialists Learn About Sikh Religious Practices

SALDEF Regional Director and Volunteer Attorney, Bhupinder Kaur

February 24, 2012 – Earlier this month, SALDEF conducted diversity trainings for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Over 150 members of the EEOC including attorneys, investigators, mediators, and staff were informed about the Sikh faith and religious practices through the course of these trainings. The presentations were conducted on February 1st and February 8th in the EEOC’s district offices of Philadelphia, PA and Los Angeles, CA, respectively.

The EEOC is the government agency in charge of enforcing federal employment laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. As Sikh Americans face a disproportionate number of challenges in the workplace, SALDEF sought to engage the agency responsible for protecting Sikh Americans in employment settings.

SALDEF Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh

The training gave basic information about Sikh beliefs and practices, Sikh American demographics, and common misperceptions about Sikhs and Sikhism, along with recommendations for interacting with the Sikh American community. SALDEF staff discussed the various employment related challenges faced by the Sikh American community and shared examples of cases from different industries and professions.

“The training was one of the best which my staff has ever received.  Because of the quality of the presentation and the value of the information relayed, I would encourage all of my counterparts in other parts of the country to take advantage of this kind of training.” — Spencer Lewis, Director, Philadelphia District Office

Based on the positive feedback of the presentation, SALDEF has engaged with several additional EEOC district office to conduct similar trainings for their staff. SALDEF believes that through these trainings, employment discrimination cases against Sikh Americans will be more effectively and efficiently handled.

SALDEF thanks Paramjit Singh of Cleveland for his assistance in the setup of these trainings.

To report incidents of discrimination in the workplace to SALDEF, please contact us.

Through its SikhLEAD Internship Program, SALDEF is pleased to announce the availability of internship positions at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI).  This highly competitive internship opportunity is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

SALDEF will provide this summer’s interns with a stipend of $1,500 for successful completion of the WHIAAPI or Congressional Internship Program.  Stipends will help interns offset travel and accommodation costs.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH THE WHITE HOUSE OR A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!

Throughout the internship, SALDEF will host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in DC, to further contribute to the overall experience of the interns.

Students of all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Applicants should be graduate students or undergraduates who are enrolled at least part-time.

Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

This exciting experience will allow interns to:
•     explore a potential career track
•     create a network of contacts
•     develop professional skills and build confidence

Financial support for Interns is provided by generous support from community members like you.  If you are interested in supporting a Sikh American intern this summer, please donate here.

The meeting was convened by the FBI as part of their outreach to communities who have faced post 9/11 challenges. Leaders of prominent civil rights groups including Interfaith Alliance, Muslim Public Affairs Council and the Anti-Arab Discrimination Committee were also in attendance.

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, spoke to Director Mueller specifically about the importance of creating a unique category to specifically identify hate crimes against Sikhs, improving training efforts for the FBI and increasing dialogue with the Bureau.

Additionally, Mr. Singh cited concern over a story from Des Moines, Iowa where a Sikh Immigrant was used as an informant at Muslim mosques for seven years. “Our relationship with the Bureau has historically been positive, but it is fragile and tactics like this jeopardize our partnership, ” Mr. Singh said at the meeting.

SALDEF also proposed the adoption and formalization of Sikh American Cultural Awareness and Protocol Training for each of their new recruits at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA and through local field offices across the country, through SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program.

“The benefits of incorporating SALDEF’s cultural competency training in the FBI’s training program will empower their new recruits and current agents with the appropriate information about Sikh Americans in an effort to better utilize FBI resources,” stated SALDEF Chairman and Co-Founder Manjit Singh. “Such training will help in eliminating an incorrect, though, common perception of Sikh Americans as suspicious solely based on misunderstandings of their physical identity as a Sikh.”

SALDEF will continue to engage with the Director’s office regarding the issues raised and encourage increased dialogue with the Bureau.

• Investigation Ongoing in Michigan Gurdwara Vandalism
• New Information Released in the 2011 Murder of Elk Grove, CA Sikhs
• Attention All College Students and Recent Graduates!
• Advocating Against Racial Profiling
• Improving Hate Crime Data Collection
• SALDEF Presents to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office
• SALDEF Conducts Training for United States Park Police
• Upcoming Events

Investigation Ongoing in Michigan Gurdwara Vandalism
Earlier this week a Gurdwara under construction in Sterling Heights, Michigan, was vandalized.  The vandalism included spray painting of vulgar language, racial epithets, what appears to be a cross, and a large drawing of a gun.  Read full story here. The FBI and Sterling Heights Police Department continue to investigate the crime. A press conference will be held at the Gurdwara site, 33340 Dequindre road, Sterling Heights, 48310, at 3pm EST, and all community members are encouraged to attend.  Click here for press conference details.

New Information Released in the 2011 Murder of Elk Grove, CA Sikhs
The Sacramento Bee reports that Elk Grove police have updated the description of the suspect vehicle in a double-homicide of two elderly Sikh men who were shot last year when they were out for their routine afternoon walk. Gurmej Atwal, 78, and Surinder Singh, 65, were shot on March 4 as they walked on East Stockton Boulevard near Geneva Pointe Drive. Surinder Singh died at the scene and Gurmej Atwal died six weeks later in a hospital.

Police officials said the suspect drove a lifted full-size pick-up truck, tan or gold in color, with a standard-size cab. They do not have details on the make or model year of the truck. SALDEF encourages the public to continue calling the department with tips or leads. “No tip is too small,” said Elk Grove Mayor Jim Cooper. “Make no mistake, this was a cowardly act.”

Attention All College Students and Recent Graduates!
SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations. To encourage application to the program, SALDEF has announced a $1,500 stipend for successful completion of the program.

Make this a summer you won’t forget and gain valuable experience to build your future!
 Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. 
Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

Advocating Against Racial Profiling
SALDEF continued its efforts of supporting the End Racial Profiling Act of 2011 (ERPA) by visiting the offices of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).  Joined by partners from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Brennan Center, SALDEF urged the senators to support this important piece of legislation which aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans.  Contact your Congressmen and ask them for their support! Contact your Senators here and your Representatives here.

Improving Hate Crime Data Collection
On January 17, 2012, SALDEF gathered with other civil rights organizations for a Hate Crime Coalition meeting. The group discussed its strategies to improve hate crime data collection. Under the Hate Crime Statistics Act of 1990 (HCSA), the FBI is required to release an annual report and the 2010 HCSA report was released last November. An analysis performed by the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) however, showed that 80 cities with populations over 100,000 either neglected to participate in the 2010 HCSA report or reported to the FBI that they had zero (0) hate crimes. SALDEF will be reaching out to state and government officials such as governors, mayors, and police chiefs in these cities to ask and offer assistance in an effort implement better reporting at the state and local level.

SALDEF Conducts Sikh Awareness Presentation for Yolo County District Attorney’s Office
On January 5, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh, presented to over 25 members of the staff of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office about cultural awareness of the Sikh community. The DA’s Office forged a close relationship with Sikh community leaders during the successful prosecution of the hate crime assault and battery case in which Harbhajan Singh was beaten while being called racial epithets. Under the auspicies of SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program, District Attorney Jeff Reisig asked Singh to speak with his deputies about the Sikh culture to increase insight and raise sensitivity among his staff. Mr. Singh covered the importance of the Sikh articles of faith, the types of crimes that Sikh Americans are vulnerable to, and tactics to increase engagement with the local Sikh American community.

SALDEF Conducts Sikh Awareness Presentation for US Park Police
On January 23, 2012, SALDEF conducted a training for the United States Park Police of the National Park Service in Washington DC. The U.S. Park Police provides law enforcement services to designated areas within our national parks and is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country.  More than 50 members of the service were in attendance and received the training.  SALDEF has been invited to do a similar training for the Park Police later this month.

Upcoming Events
- Feb. 17 – Sikh Awareness Presentation for School and Staff, Chicago, IL
- Feb. 21 – United States Park Police Training, Washington DC
- Feb. 26 – Deadline for Congressional Internship Program Applications
- March 18 – Know Your Rights Forum, Riverside, CA
- March 23 and 24 – Presentation at Days of Diversity, Castro Valley, CA
- April 1 – Know Your Rights Forum, Seattle, WA

According to reports directly from the gurdwara management committee, the vandalism happened between the evening of Feb 5th and the morning of February 6, 2012.  The graffiti included vulgar language, racial epithets, the use of what appears to be a cross, a large drawing of a gun, and references to the attacks of September 11th.

The new site of the gurdwara has been under construction and is due for completion this summer, leaving it uninhabited when the crime took place.  The construction has been ongoing, and recently the exterior had been painted, with the graffiti now taking up a large area on the building’s front wall.

No witnesses have come forward yet, but anyone with information regarding this situation should please contact the Sterling Heights Police Department directly.

“Attacks and vandalism against any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. This type of crime strikes at the very foundation of religious tolerance, the foundation this country was built upon,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh. “We call upon local and federal law enforcement agencies to rightfully classify this incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice to show that hate and violence are not tolerated in our society.”

SALDEF has been in contact with the Sterling Heights Police Department, Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to urge their action on this matter and to offer our support in the investigation.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.403.0246 or via our Report an Incident Form.

Last year, SALDEF launched the Sikh American Community’s first ever Congressional Internship Program, under its new SikhLEAD initiative, to encourage political and civic engagement amongst Sikh American youth. The program partners with Congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill.
For this summer’s interns, SALDEF is pleased to announce stipends of $1,500 for successful completion of the Congressional Internship Program.  Stipends will help interns offset travel and accommodation costs.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!
Through this program, young Sikh American leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations.  Additionally, throughout the internship, SALDEF will host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in DC, to further contribute to the overall experience of the interns.

Students of all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

• explore a potential career track
• create a network of contacts
• develop professional skills and build confidence

Financial support for Interns is provided by generous support from community members like you.  If you are interested in supporting a Sikh American intern this summer, please contact us.

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Army to Allow Turbans in Junior ROTC

The Department of Defense will now allow Sikh and Muslim students participating in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to wear turbans and headscarves while in uniform. This victory was won by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for responding to an incident in which a Muslim teen quit JROTC when her commanding officer would not allow her to wear her hijab in the homecoming parade.  The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army stated in a letter to CAIR that, “the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab.”

If you have an issue with your high school JROTC, contact us.

SALDEF Year End Fundraising Goal Exceeded!

With the community’s generous support we surpassed our 2011 year end fundraising goal to raise $75,000.  SALDEF would like to thank everyone for their generous donations! This money will help us continue our mission of defending, informing and empowering Sikh Americans. We could not do this without your generous support!  You can support our work year round, or monthly with a recurring donation at www.saldef.org/donate.

Learn more about our work in our newly released annual report.

UPDATE: India Abroad Apologizes

In November 2011, SALDEF responded to an extremely offensive letter to the editor printed in India Abroad blaming Sikh Americans for the ill treatment they may receive. SALDEF took issue with the author’s words as well as India Abroad’s decision to print such a letter. In their December 9, 2011 publication, the editors of India Abroad printed an apology, stating in part, “[We] sincerely apologize for hurting any sentiments caused by the publication of the said letter.” Read the full apology here.

Attention all College Students and Recent Graduates

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations. Spend your summer in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. Make this a summer you won’t forget and gain valuable experience to build your future!
Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST.
Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Training for Howard County, MD Police

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for new recruits in the Howard County Maryland Police Department on December 23rd, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

SALDEF Hosts Successful Know Your Rights Forums in California

On December 4th and 11th, Know Your Rights Forum events were hosted in Northern and Southern California to address local sangat issues around workplace discrimination, hate crimes, biased incidents and more.  Guest speakers from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Department of Justice, Office of Community Relations Services all spoke to the sangat members in detail regarding their civil rights.  Special thanks to Gurdwara management at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose, San Jose and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Buena Park.

2012 Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars Available

It’s not too late to place your order for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars. In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the calendars are the size of standard business cards. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries.

SALDEF Participates in Anti-Bullying Circle

On December 5th, 2011, SALDEF participated in SAALT’s (South Asian Americans Leading Together) DC SAALT Circle, a group of community members who meet bimonthly to discuss issues within the community. The December SAALT Circle addressed the issue of bullying and the South Asian community. SALDEF discussed the impact of bullying from a community level and shared ways that communities can work to reduce and react to bullying. Other speakers on the panel were Akil Vohra from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Shawn Gaylord from GLSEN.

SHARE: Click here to email and share your story about bullying with SALDEF.

Scholarship Opportunity Available for High School and College Students

The International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) announces two scholarships ($500.00 each) in memory of its founder Captain K.H. Singh for Sikh Youth who are High School seniors or current college students. The purpose is to award and promote Sikh Youth as they pursue their educational goals. Deadline to receive applications is January 15, 2012. Details are also available via www.iigs.com.  To apply, click here.

Upcoming Events

• January 5 – Yolo County District Attorney’s Office Training – Woodland, CA
• January 11 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training  – Philadelphia, PA
• January 23 —U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.
• January 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – Riverside, CA
• February 8 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training – Los Angeles, CA
• February 21 – U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations.

APPLY ONLINE TO INTERN WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS!

SALDEF seeks to develop leadership skills, encourage political and civic engagement, and foster interest in public service careers by providing the unparalleled experience of interning for a member of Congress.

This exciting experience will allow interns to:

• explore a potential career track
• create a network of contacts
• develop professional skills and build confidence

Throughout the internship, SALDEF will also host a series of special programming events including, leadership workshops, networking events, and social outings in DC, to further contribute to the overall experience of the Interns and to aid in development of the next generation of our community’s leaders.

Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST. Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

If you know college students or recent graduates who are looking for a meaningful opportunity and would want to intern for a member of Congress this summer, spread the word!

This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. A version of this bill is also making its way through the Senate. Send a message to your Senators and Representatives asking them for their support in putting an end to racial profiling.

The End Racial Profiling Act of 2011 (H.R. 3618) will:

• Prohibit racial profiling by any law enforcement agent or law enforcement agency
• Require training on racial profiling issues as part of law enforcement training
• Mandate the collection of data with detail sufficient to permit an analysis of whether a law enforcement agency is engaging in racial profiling
• Create procedures for receiving, investigating, and responding meaningfully to complaints alleging racial profiling by law enforcement agents
• Provide an individual injured by racial profiling to file a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief

Take Action: Tell your Representative to Support The End Racial Profiling Act

Since September 11, 2001, Sikh Americans have become all too familiar with instances of racial profiling by the United States government. The most prevalent example is the additional security screening of Sikh American travelers at airports.

TAKE ACTION NOW! Send a message to your Representative urging them to support this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support. Personalize your letter to make it even more effective. Tell your Representative that putting an end to racial and religious profiling is important to you!

READ MORE: Sikh Man Stabbed Waiting for Plane in Fresno (Fresno Bee)
WATCH: Stabbing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (ABC-30)

According to the Fresno Police Department, a 56-year old Sikh man from India was stabbed near the security area at Fresno Yosemite International Airport while waiting to board his plane. The Sikh traveler suffered a minor cut to his upper torso, and was treated at the airport prior to resuming his journey back to India.

The assailant, identified as 26-year old Mitchell Dufur, reportedly approached the Sikh traveler and stabbed him with a pocket knife, without provocation or exchanging any words. Dufur is now in custody, and being held under suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, after he initially attempted to flee from the airport before being apprehended by the local authorities.

READ MORE: Police ID Man who Stabbed Sikh with Turban in Attack at CA Airport (Washington Post)

According to Fresno Police officials, they are working to determine why the victim was stabbed, but haven’t determined whether the act was in fact a hate crime, as Dufur has refused to talk with the police about the motive for this attack.

SALDEF has been in contact with the Fresno Police Department to gather more details and information about this horrible incident and have offered our services to assist in the investigation in any way possible.

SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.403.0246 or via our Report an Incident Form.

SALDEF Responds to India Abroad Letter to the Editor
On October 14, 2011 India Abroad published a highly offensive commentary in the Letter to the Editor section of the paper. The author of a piece called “Beyond Bias” stated that “Sikhs living in western countries who are not baptized would do well to consider discarding the[ir]uncut hair and turbans so that they will not look like Osama and so suffer.”  Read the full article here.

SALDEF immediately contacted India Abroad to question the editor’s discretion in publishing the comments.  Additionally, SALDEF responded to the comments in the November 11 edition of the publication.  Click here to read the full letter.

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Bullying Summit
On October 29, 2011, SALDEF attended the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Bullying Summit in New York City. Newly released statistics indicate that Asian Americans reported the highest rate of bullying in classrooms, nearly 20% higher than any other racial or ethnic group, further stressing the importance of this issue within the Sikh American community. Senior members for the Obama administration, public health professionals, community advocates, students and parents attended the summit and discussed the effects of bullying, needed response, and prevention.

Share Your Stories – Racial Profiling and School Bullying
Have you or someone you know ever been a victim of school bullying or racial profiling?  If so, please share your story with us.  SALDEF is currently advocating for both the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA).  If passed, ERPA will better protect the community from racial profiling and SSIA will help ensure Sikh American children are protected from bullying in Schools. It is important to express to lawmakers how important these issues are to the Sikh American Community and we need your help.

SHARE your story about racial profiling.
SHARE your story about school bullying.
TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Senator to Support ERPA

Newly Released FBI Hate Crimes Statistics
The FBI recently released their annual Hate Crimes Statistics for 2010. The publication details reported hate crimes by states, cities, towns, and colleges and universities. Of note, the statistics illustrate a jump in crimes motivated by anti-Islamic bias.  This of course, affects Sikh Americans because of misconceptions about our identity.  Currently, the FBI does not collect data on the number of Anti-Sikh hate-crimes.  SALDEF is actively working with the FBI to create a separate category which accurately reflects crimes committed against Sikh Americans. You can access the complete report of the FBI’s annual Hate Crimes Statistics for 2010 here.

Scholarship for Northern California Students –Deadline Approaching
The Indus Valley American Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the second year of the IVACC Scholarship Program.  Scholarships are being awarded to college students who are residents of Northern California and who have shown a commitment to the South Asian community and culture. The IVACC Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications with a deadline of November 22, 2011.  SALDEF encourages all interested members to apply today.  For more information, click here.

SikhLEAD Congressional Internship Program–Summer 2012

As part of the SikhLEAD youth development initiative, SALDEF has partnered with congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Applications will be available by mid December and close in mid February for Summer 2012 internship in Washington, DC. To learn more about the internship program visit www.sikhlead.org and subscribe to the SikhLEAD mailing list.Know Your Rights Forums to be

Hosted Throughout California
As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing efforts to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a series of  Know Your Rights (KYR) Forums for the Sikh American communities of Northern and Southern California in the months of December and January.  For additional information, or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your local community, please contact Birpal Kaur via email at info@saldef.org.

Upcoming Events:

• Know Your Rights Forum — Buena Park, CA — December 4th
• Know Your Rights Forum — San Jose, CA — December 11th
• Know Your Rights Forum — Riverside, CA — January 29th

“This program provided me the most inspiring and valuable weekend of my life.  I not only have 16 other young leaders who I can call family; I also have developed insights which I will take throughout my life” – Leadership Development Program Participant

(Washington, DC—November 7, 2011) Last month, SALDEF successfully held its first Leadership Development Program (LDP), under its new ground-breaking SikhLEAD youth development initiative.  From a large pool of applicants, SALDEF selected 17 highly talented and accomplished young Sikh Americans from around the country for three days of leadership training, self-exploration, and development in Washington, DC.

Watch: Slideshow of the program

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. The purpose of this opportunity is to empower Sikh American youth in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

The attendees participated in a series of activities aimed to help identify their passion, recognize their strengths, and build a stronger sense of identity while building a national network of emerging young leaders.  The program provided training and skills for participants to improve public speaking, explore non-traditional career paths and network with leaders in the community.

Read: Blog entry from one of the participants

SALDEF is indebted to several community members who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the 3-day program:

• Dr. G.P. Singh, former CEO, Karta Technologies
• Gurinder Ahluwalia, President & CEO, Genworth Financial
• Dr. Jaideep Singh, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CSU East Bay
• Jyotswaroop Kaur, Director of Strategic Actions for a Just Economy
• Ravi Bhalla, Councilman of Hoboken, NJ
• Satjiv Chahil, former Senior Vice President Worldwide Marketing at Apple

LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the following sponsors: Comcast, Genworth Financial, and Southwest Airlines. To learn more about how you can support the SikhLEAD initiative, click here.

Las Vegas Police Department and SALDEF Partner to Develop Training Program
Earlier this fall, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and SALDEF partnered to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program for the LVMPD. The LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. To read more, click here.

Law Enforcement Training a Success in Birmingham, AL
Navtej Singh, SALDEF’s Southeastern Regional Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for officers across Alabama on September 20, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

SALDEF Presents to Office of Director of National Intelligence
In September, SALDEF Policy Advisor, Navdeep Singh, made a presentation to leaders of the National Intelligence Community about Sikh Americans at a meeting hosted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He covered the history of Sikhs in the United States and provided an overview of Sikh beliefs. He also discussed how Sikh Americans can be an asset to the United States national security and intelligence communities and shared ways in which the government can engage, interact, and recruit more effectively from the community.

TAKE ACTION: End Racial Profiling
The End Racial Profiling Act was recently introduced to the Senate. This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. Send a message to your Senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill.

SALDEF Attends TSA Coalition Conference
On September 7, 2011, the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Civil Rights and Liberties held their 9th annual Coalition Conference.  Various community groups were in attendance for this conference in which information regarding screening practices, policies, and initiatives were discussed. In addition, community groups were given the opportunity to address their concerns with current and future TSA programs.

Gates Millennium Scholarship Now Accepting Applcations
For students entering college for the first time in Fall 2012, the GMS 2012 Scholarship Application online process is now open. The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. GMS will select 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. The Gates Millennium Scholars are provided with personal and professional development through the GMS leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career. Find more information on their website here.

Follow us on Twitter
Become a follower of SALDEF on Twitter and get real-time updates about current events in the Sikh American community, issues we are working on, and meetings we are attending.  Check out our recent activity and follow us at twitter.com/saldef.

Upcoming Events:
* Nagar Kirtan–Yuba City, CA– November 6th
* SikhLens Film Festival-- Orange County, CA– November 18-20th
* Know Your Rights Forum– Buena Park, CA– December 4th
* Know Your Rights Forum–San Jose, CA–December 11th

The End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) was introduced to the Senate on October, 6, 2011. Send a message to your Senators urging them to co-sponsor this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support.

This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States.

Racial profiling is a law enforcement tactic where individuals are treated as suspects based on characteristics unrelated to criminal conduct – such as race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, and perceived immigration status. Not only is it wrong, profiling is ineffective. It diverts limited law enforcement resources away from focusing on individualized suspicious behavior by relying on race- or religion-based profiles. It diminishes trust between law enforcement and affected communities making individuals hesitant to reach out to police in times of need. It also violates the fundamental civil rights of communities by treating them differently than other Americans. The End Racial Profiling Act prohibits law enforcement agents and agencies from engaging in racial profiling.

Take Action: Tell your Senators to Support the End Racial Profiling Act!

Since September 11, 2001, Sikh Americans have become all too familiar with instances of racial profiling by the United States government. The most prevalent example is the additional security screening of Sikh American travelers at airports because of their turbans.

In addition, the broader South Asian, Muslim, and Arab communities living in the United States have all been targeted for heightened scrutiny by law enforcement based on their religion, ethnicity, national origin, or nationality. Examples include frequent searches by airport security and border inspection officers, as well as targeted surveillance of South Asian places of worship by federal and local law enforcement. The practice of racial profiling is demeaning and contrary to the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law. The passage of this act will be an important step to bringing an end to this practice.

TAKE ACTION NOW! To learn more about ERPA Click Here!

The online training module is based on the Law Enforcement Partnership Program developed by SALDEF in 1999, and includes video and imagery of On Common Ground, a law enforcement training video developed by SALDEF and the United States Department of Justice. The LEPP training program has been used by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement departments, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the entire Washington Metropolitan Police Department and Boston Police Department.

Beginning in January 2011, the LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices.  The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.

“I am proud of our long standing tradition in providing the best possible cultural awareness training to our organization” said Doug Gillespie, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  “Our valued collaboration with SALDEF has produced a unique and informative curriculum which will serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.”

“We are pleased to partner with the LVMPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community”, said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”

SALDEF would like to applaud Sheriff Gillespie and Detective Kenneth Mead for their leadership and partnership in this initiative, and hope that this collaboration serves as a model showing the need for and benefit of, collaboration between law enforcement and the Sikh American community across the country. If you would like to work with your local law enforcement department on a similar initiative, please contact SALDEF.

Last Saturday, October 8th, 2011 the Sikh American Legal Defense Education Fund (SALDEF) held its 15th Anniversary National Gala in Washington, D.C. Joined by over 400 guests, government officials, awardees and supporters from across the country, the sold-out event highlighted SALDEF’s accomplishments over the past 15 years, and recognized those who have contributed to the Sikh American community’s progress and strengthened civil rights in the United States.

Click here to view the complete photo slideshow!

Opening remarks were delivered by Manjit Singh, Co-Founder and Chairman of SALDEF, welcoming the attendees and acknowledging the outpouring of support from the Sikh American community, coalition partners, and federal agencies in celebrating 15 years of SALDEF’s empowerment for the Sikh American community.  This was followed by Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Managing Director and Board Member, who gave a glimpse at the history of the organization as well as highlighting the awardees. SALDEF Western Regional Director Bhupinder Kaur served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.

The first award of the night, the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award recognized Rana Singh Sodhi for his ability to transcend the tragedy of his brother’s death and utilize it as a catalyst for education, outreach, and understanding. Mr. Sodhi’s embodiment of chardi kala and commitment to the community serves as an exemplar for the entire Sikh American community.

Next, SALDEF recognized S. Floyd Mori with the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award. Mr. Mori is currently the National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and he reflected on the Japanese American experience after World War II internment, bringing parallels of the fear America faced then to the 9/11 attacks. Next, the Youth Leadership Award recognized Deep Singh, Co-Founder of the Jakara Movement, a youth oriented Sikh organization based in California aimed at connecting Sikh American youth to Sikh history and beliefs as well as social justice.

Top Center: Daya Singh Khalsa
Left to right: Satjiv Chahil, Rana Singh Sodhi, and Floyd Mori

SALDEF’s 2011 Public Service Award was awarded to former Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Norman Mineta, who’s leadership in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11 successfully directed all flights over United States airspace to land immediately and won widespread praise for restoring public confidence in the transportation system. Mr. Mineta also made conscious efforts to ensure that members of the Sikh, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities were not befallen with civil rights abuses while traveling.

The Dalip Singh Saund Legislative Leadership Award was accepted in absentia by Senator Dick Durbin. In his remarks, delivered via video, Durbin emphasized the integral role that SALDEF played in the initial response to the hate crimes immediately following the 9/11 attacks, and ensuring hate crime legislation was put at the forefront of action to backlash within the South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh American communities. “In the weeks after 9/11 I was proud to work with SALDEF and the Sikh American community to pass legislation condemning prejudice and violence against [Sikhs] and any Americans. [By] working together we passed a Federal Hate Crimes Bill.,” said Senator Durbin. “ As long as Sikhs continue to face religious discrimination in the workplace, [and] Sikh children are continued to be bullied in school because of their faith, we still have work to do, and we must finish that work.”

Click here to watch Senator Durbin’s video address

Daya Singh Khalsa, President of Akal Security, served as a Guest Speaker for the evening and spoke about his experiences founding his company and how denial of job opportunities to Sikhs at the time, led he and his colleagues to found what is now one of the largest security organizations in the country. “Anything can come with a vision, being a Sikh should not prevent you in any way from accomplishing or inventing any ideas. Any vision or idea can become reality, a Sikh’s identity should not be a hindrance in any vision they have”, said Khalsa. SALDEF was also fortunate to have Satjiv Chahil, former Chief Marketing Officer at Apple Inc and HP, in attendance as he shared some inspirational anecdotes to the attendees regarding his experiences through his career, and the importance of chardi kala.

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, presented the final comments, introducing the inaugural SikhLEAD program, and recognizing the 17 participants in attendance.  He went on to express the need for our community to invest in our future youth and young professionals as we continue to grow as a community.

Entertainment for the evening included a memorable performance by Kiran Alhuwalia an award winning vocalist and composer, and a high-energy performance by the DC Bhangra Crew and Joshiley Jawan Bhangra Team.

Click here to view the complete photo slideshow!

Guests came together and donated to help SALDEF continue reaching out to communities, schools, houses of worship and civic leaders nationwide to raise awareness about Sikh Americans, speak out against bullying and protect the Sikh identity. If you weren’t able to join SALDEF at the National Gala, please join us today by making a tax-deductible donation.

SALDEF thanks the event sponsors for their generous support, as well as the local volunteers, whose dedicated work ensured the success of this event.  We would also like to especially thank the staff and management of EventEQ for their masterful technical execution of our event,  as well as support from InkSpill.

Washington DC; September 27, 2011 – Earlier this month, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) was invited to participate in a series of  presentations and panel discussions at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the University of Indiana-Bloomington.

On September 6th, speaking as part of the Food for Thought discussion series at the Asian American Cultural Center of the University of Illinois, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, provided the over 100 attendees, comprised of students and faculty, with an introduction to Sikh Americans and the challenges Sikh Americans have faced post 9/11.

Later that day, SALDEF participated in the Interfaith Speaker Series hosted by the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations. The Interfaith Speaker Series featured a panel of representatives from several faiths and focused on the topic of what “service” means in each faith. Mr. Singh spoke of the prominent place ‘service’ has in the Sikh scriptures (Gurbani) and throughout Sikh history. The panel discussion was followed by a lively question and answer session.

Then, on September 7th, the University of Indiana, hosted an interfaith panel to discuss the impact of 9/11 on religious communities.  Some of the topics included the changes in America since 9/11, media reports and the rise against multiculturalism, and how the events of 9/11 affected the United States in terms of diversity education.

If you would like SALDEF to make a presentation about the Sikh religion and Sikh American civil rights issues to your college, law school, or graduate school, please contact us via email.

Senator Dick Durbin to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Senator Dick Durbin will be recognized for his leadership in Congress by sponsoring bills that protect the rights of Sikh Americans.

Senator Dick Durbin, is the senior U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois and serves as the Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate, the second highest ranking position in the Senate. Senator Durbin is the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights and the Appropriations Committee’s Financial Services and General Government subcommittee.

Senator Durbin is known as a champion of civil rights for all people. Immediately following 9/11, Senator Durbin introduced the Hate Crimes Resolution, condemning the hatred and violence targeted at Sikh Americans. Senator Durbin was also a primary supporter of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act which strengthened the existing hate crime laws. In addition, Senator Durbin also sponsors the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, both of which aim to strengthen efforts to prevent school bullying in primary and secondary education settings.

Join us in honoring Senator Durbin and others who have worked
to protect the rights of  all Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Floyd Mori to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce Floyd Mori will be recognized for his leadership in civil and human rights and efforts to achieve equality for all.

Floyd Mori is currently the National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) after having served as Director of Public Policy for the JACL, the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation. He also served as the Chair of the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), a coalition of national Asian Pacific American organizations of which SALDEF is a member.

While teaching Economics at Chabot College in Hayward, California, Mori became involved in politics and was elected City Councilman and Mayor of the City of Pleasanton, California, in the Bay Area.

Join us in honoring Floyd Mori and others who have worked
to protect the rights of  all Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

You and your family are cordially invited to the

SALDEF National Gala: Celebrating 15 Years

Our 15th Anniversary Gala is a milestone we could not celebrate without you, the supporters who make our work possible.  It is a chance to reflect on the impact that our supporters have made since our founding in 1996.  We will also honor those who have surmounted challenges and worked towards solutions, unity, and healing, in the ten years since 9/11.

Purchase Your Gala Tickets Online Today

Please Join us on

October 8, 2011
from 6pm to 9pm

at the
J.W. Marriott Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

with

Former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta
Rana Singh Sodhi
Daya Singh Khalsa, CEO, Akal Security

Live Entertainment by

Kiran Ahluwalia & Group

FREE Child Care Available On-site During the Gala

Purchase Your Gala Tickets Online Today
Table: $1000 | Individual: $125 | Student: $65

If you would like to purchase a table for your family, business, or gurdwara, or are interested in placing an advertisement in the Gala program book please contact Jasjit Singh via phone at 202-393-2700 ext. 127 or via email at Click here to email.  Space is limited.

Balbir Singh Sodhi represents all the victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who lost their lives to those who continue to suffer from bullying, harassment and discrimination today.  As we honor his memory, let us reflect on the common concern and unity we felt with our neighbors at that time.

SALDEF hopes that all Americans take heed of words of Balbir’s brother, Rana, and “bring the whole community together…take care of our extended community and to work to understand one another better. And when I say ‘community,’ I…mean…the whole American community.”

The Sodhi family and the Arizona interfaith community have transformed the tragic death of Balbir Singh Sodhi into a movement for unity, understanding, and respect. We applaud them for their efforts and call on all Americans to join them in similar efforts across the country.

Tomorrow, the Sikh American community will join the country to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and honor the memory of all the victims who passed away on that day, the first responders who sacrificed themselves to save others, and the families that suffered incredible loss.

We will also honor all those impacted by the events following September 11th. Like Americans of all faiths and backgrounds, the Sikh American community was attacked twice, first as Americans and again by those who wished to divide our country based on religion and ethnicity.  We honor all victims of post-9/11 backlash, from those who have been victims of hate, like Balbir Singh Sodhi, to those who suffered and continue to suffer from discrimination and bullying.

SALDEF encourages all Sikh Americans to honor the memory of all 9/11 victims in your ardas and seva throughout the day.  Please continue to honor their memory by standing up for the Sikh and American values of equality, freedom, and respect for diversity.

Deep Singh of the Jakara Movement
to be Honored at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Deep Singh will be recognized for his efforts to inspire and educate Sikh American youth through the Jakara Movement.

Deep Singh is one of the co-founders of the Jakara Movement, one of the premier Sikh youth organizations in the diaspora, working on issues of social, health, and educational justice.  As a sevadar with the Jakara Movement for over a decade, he has aided in the establishment of Lalkaar, Sikholars, The Langar Hall, and a host of other projects throughout California.  He is well-known amongst the California Sikh youth for his passion, dedication, and intelligence and amongst various Sikh organizations for his collaboration, assistance, and partnerships.

Join us in honoring Deep Singh and others who work
to inspire Sikh Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here

Rana Singh Sodhi to be Honored
at SALDEF National Gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Along with marking our fifteenth anniversary, we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, honor our awardees, and enjoy cultural entertainment.

We are pleased to announce that Rana Singh Sodhi will be recognized for his work in promoting awareness and acceptance following his personal loss after the tragedy of 9/11.

Since 9/11, Mr. Sodhi has been devoted to mobilizing the Sikh American community to create awareness about the Sikh faith, as well as serving as a spokesperson against hate and violence. Tragically, his brother, Balbir Singh Sodhi, became America’s first post 9/11 hate crime murder victim. A year later, his brother, Sukhpal Singh Sodhi, was shot driving a cab in San Francisco.

Despite these tragedies, Rana works to educate his fellow Americans in an attempt to prevent further hate crimes. He serves as an advisor to the Phoenix Police Department and supports the activities of several civil rights organizations. Rana’s dedication to the community has been awarded by the City of Phoenix and the Anti-Defamation League.

Join us in honoring Rana Singh Sodhi and others who have worked
to protect the rights of Sikh Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here