During the Summer of 2009, 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 Although the law was originally enacted by followers of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the 1920s to keep Catholic nuns out of public schools, today it is undermining the civil rights of Sikhs, Jews,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. Making history is not easy! We can only do this with your continued support – Donate $21, $51, $101, or $501 a month to allow us to continue and expand our work in 2010! 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 January 13, 2010 – SALDEF Representative Delivers Testimony to House Education Committee February 4, 2010 — SALDEF Joins 16 National Groups to Deliver Letter to Oregon Legislature February 10, 2010 – Oregon House Passes Bill 51-8 February 21, 2010 — SALDEF Submits Senate Floor Memorandum February 23, 2010 — Oregon Senate Votes Resoundingly in Favor of HB 3686 February 23, 2010 – SALDEF Participates in Meeting with Department of Justice Representative in Oregon 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. We can only do this work with YOUR support. Consider donating $21, $51, $101, or $501 month to SALDEF for the next year to continue and expand our work and make sure that we can stand up for your rights and those of ALL Sikh Americans. Click here to donate now!
