For the past 15 years, SALDEF has been there protecting and fighting for the rights of Sikh Americans. 
In 1996, when a Sikh American man in Ohio was arrested for wearing his kirpan and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, SALDEF was there. SALDEF provided resources and legal support. Ultimately, the charges were overturned and in the opinion a judge stated that “To be a Sikh is to wear a kirpan–it is that simple.” Even today, this opinion is used when challenges arise to Sikh Americans’ right to wear a kirpan. When airport screening procedures changed dramatically after 9/11, SALDEF was there. SALDEF was the first organization after 9/11 to meet with Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and present information to the FAA for the “appropriate and sensitive” handling of Sikh American passengers. SALDEF also conducted awareness and protocol training about Sikhs at Albany International Airport in response to the first reported incident of illegal turban removal after 9/11 by airport security screeners in October 2001. When seeking the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination, John Kerry made a statement singling out the Sikh religion as an example of a terrorist group. SALDEF was there and obtained an apology from Kerry. When a Sikh American father and son were told they would not be permitted to wear turbans in their driver’s license photos, SALDEF was there. Because of SALDEF’s efforts, the Georgia Department of Driver Services apologized, revised their policy, and agreed to undergo SALDEF’s cultural awareness trainings to ensure that such incidents will not happen again. 
When Arizona lawmakers proposed to remove the name of Balbir Singh Sodhi, the first post-9/11 fatality, from the state’s 9/11 memorial, SALDEF was there. In less than 3 days, SALDEF collected and sent over 7,500 signatures to the Arizona Governor urging her to veto the bill. As a result of these efforts, the Governor vetoed the bill during a meeting with the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi. Will you be there for SALDEF? Support us with a generous year-end donation or monthly donation so that we can reach our goal of $75,000 and can continue to be there for the Sikh American community. To donate, visit www.SALDEF.org/donate 
