Religious Freedom v. Ku Klux Klan

A Sikh American University Professor

Earlier this year, the State of Oregon effectively rubber stamped a law which prevents observant Sikh Americans from working as public school teachers in the state of Oregon. Although the law was originally enacted by followers of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the 1920s to keep Catholic nuns out of public schools, today it is undermining the civil rights of Sikhs, Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

SALDEF is working hard to ensure that when the Oregon legislature addresses this issue in February 2010, we give a final burial to the KKK in Oregon and move one step closer to giving all Americans the right to practice their faith.

LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUE:

  • Sikhs protest school exemption in Oregon religious freedom bill (The Oregonian)
  • Law denying teachers religious freedom is repugnant and should be repealed (Mail Tribune Editorial)
  • Oregon law is too strict on teachers” religious garb (The Oregonian Editorial)
  • Does religious clothing have a place in the classroom (KATU TV – Portland)
  • (Dave Ross Show – KIRO 97.3 FM)
  • Oregon’s Fashion Police (Washington Post)

    • Timeline of SALDEF initiated efforts to get Sikh Americans the right to teach in Oregon public schools:

  • July 14, 2009 – SALDEF issues protest letter to Oregon Governor
  • July 15, 2009 – Oregonian newspaper covers SALDEF”s protest
  • July 16, 2009 – Oregonian editorial board condemns the KKK law
  • July 24, 2009 – SALDEF writes to the Department of Justice
  • August 31, 2009 – Department of Justice responds
  • November 19, 2009 – Oregon state agencies condemn the KKK law
  • November 23, 2009 – Oregon House Speaker spearheads effort to overturn the KKK law

    • This issue has received mainstream print, radio and television exposure including the Daily Oregonian,KATU-TV Portland, National Public Radio, New York Times, New York Newsday, the Mail Tribune, and the Washington Post.