SALDEF in the News
City Officials in Houston Adopt Accommodation Policy for Sikh Indian American Police Officers
City officials in Houston, Texas, adopted an accommodation policy for Sikh Americans to serve with their articles of faith intact at the Houston Police Department. HPD is the largest law enforcement agency in Texas, and among the largest in the country to adopt such a policy, according to the news release. This “monumental” policy will ensure that HPD opens its doors for Sikh to serve and will lead the way for future policies in cities nationwide, SALDEF said. SALDEF executive director Kiran Kaur Gill added that: “Diversity and inclusion are a fundamental American ideal, the Houston Police Department has demonstrated how to uphold and strengthen this ideal…We believe that this announcement will inspire other local law enforcement units from around the country to follow in the city of Houston’s footsteps.”
Americans mourn killing of first Sikh cop in Texas
Lieutenant Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal put the Sikh imperative of selfless service on display for all and touched a nation with his example, a senior United States official has said, amid an unbridled outpouring of grief from many Americans over the gruesome killing of the first Indian-American police officer in Texas. Family, friends and strangers prayed on Saturday at Dhaliwal‘s memorial off Willancy Lane in northwest Harris County. ‘Sandeep was a trailblazer for the Sikh-American community. He served not just the Sikh community here in Houston with honour and dignity, but all of his community,’ Bobby Singh, south-east regional director for the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund said on Twitter.
Recent News
Celebration at CNY Sikh Temple Recalls Arson Attack and Forgiveness Message that Followed
The Sikh Temple, Gobind Sadan, in Central Square remembered the 18th Anniversary of being burned down shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks. “Gathering Around the Light” remembered the arson attack back in November 23, 2001. The Sikh Temple was set on fire by three teenagers. Founding member of Gobind Sadan, Ralph Singh added that “When these kids, out of ignorance, post 9/11 the hatred whipped up, they thought that we were followers of (Osama) bin Laden.”he weekend event started with a tour. Singh says they want people to learn from the lessons they learned out of the arson attack. He added that, “Even though you may be different, we can all live together and love in one community. Forgive each other and then learn to live together in love and peace.”
Donning Turban, New Jersey Governor Applauds Sikhs for Contributing to the Development of US State
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has applauded the contribution of Sikh-Americans in the development and cultural diversity of his state. Governor Murphy added that “New Jersey exhibits a vividly-coloured tapestry with every person and each community contributing their own threads. How boring this tapestry would be without the Sikh community and how vibrant it is with them, Murphy told hundreds of Sikh-Americans at an event to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Sikh citizen donates land for mosque in India
Sukhpal Singh Baidi, a Sikh citizen of India, donated land for the construction of a mosque on it. Zahir Farooqi, the chairman of Nagar Panchayat, received the documents of 900 square-feet plot from Baidi in the event. There is a majority of Muslims in Purkazi town. According to the news source, Baidi said in an interview that he wanted to spread the message of peace and religious harmony. He added that it was the teaching of Guru Nanak to behave with everyone equally and generously regardless of their religion, caste, and creed. The Sikh and Muslim communities of the area appreciated the effort of Baidi.
School board considers three charter renewals, approves bond measure
The West Contra Costa County School board acknowledged the month of November as Native American Heritage Month and honored the contributions of Sikh Americans to California history. Also, In a supermajority vote, the West Contra Costa County School Board on Wednesday night approved a $575 million school construction bond to be placed on the March 2020 election ballot. Parents, teachers and students from three charter schools, all up for renewal, filled the auditorium at the Levonya DeJean Middle School. Many of these attendees gave public statements to defend their schools.
Guru Tegh Bahadur — the ninth Sikh guru who sacrificed himself for religious freedom
Rakab Ganj Sahib is the resting place of the ninth guru of Sikhism — Guru Tegh Bahadur. Almost 300 odd years ago, this was the exact place that the dismembered body of Guru Tegh Bahadur was cremated. There are multiple versions of how Guru Tegh Bahadur eventually met his end, but almost all agree that his sacrifice was one of a kind, since he died for the Hindus. In the late 17th century, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imposed the Sharia law across his empire and an additional jizya tax on non-Muslims. According to Sikh tradition, some Kashmiri Pandits fled these forced conversions and sought refuge with Guru Tegh Bahadur. Here, the story has different versions — some say Aurangzeb asked him to perform a miracle, which he chose not to do and the emperor beheaded him, while others believe Aurangzeb asked the Hindus to bring forth someone willing to sacrifice himself for their religion and Guru Tegh volunteered himself. Aurangzeb beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadur on 24 November 1675, in front of a massive crowd. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk marks the place of his execution. One of the prominent teachings of the Guru was that one should be willing to follow a faith, rather than be coerced into it.