Thanks to the largest Sikh pro-bono legal team in the nation, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), has successfully defended the rights of hundreds of Sikh Americans. Protecting Our Children: Pennsylvania SALDEF defended of Harshaan Singh Athwal to wear his patka while playing for his youth soccer team. Harshaan was barred from playing his favorite sport by a referee who felt concerned by his patka. SALDEF worked with his family and the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League to ensure Harshaan would be allowed to play soccer while wearing his mandated religious head covering. You can help protect our children across the country for as little as $5 or $10 a month. Defending Constitutional Rights: Texas SALDEF and the ACLU on behalf of Amardeep Singh who was denied his constitutional right to defend himself in court because he is a Sikh. Mr. Singh was thrown out of a Dallas Courtroom because the Judge felt the turban was a violation of the court’s dress policy. If you believe in protecting the constitutional rights and guaranteed freedoms of your fellow Sikhs show your support today! Ensuring Religious Freedom: Oregon Meherbani Kaur Khalsa was stopped by an agent at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from taking her driver’s license photograph while wearing her turban. SALDEF worked with the State of Oregon to clarify the exception for religious head coverings and allow Ms. Khalsa to maintain her Sikh identity for her Drivers License. Justice for Victims of Hate: Maryland On the anniversary of September 11, a horrified family saw their grandfathers return home severely beaten after their evening walk. SALDEF worked with county officials and the local community to identify the high school aged attackers. SALDEF continues to work with the police and local schools in Maryland increase awareness and understanding of the Sikh American community. Through your generous support, SALDEF will continue to defend the rights of Sikh Americans across the nation. Make your one-time or recurring contribution before the year ends to help continue this work done in the spirit of seva.
