SALDEF Invited as Panelist at University of Florida Law School Last month, SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, was invited to speak on a panel entitled “South Asian Diversity Leadership” at the 2012 South Asian Bar Association of University of Florida’s South Asian Leadership Forum. Held at the University of Miami, the panel discussed issues facing South Asian attorneys as well as the broader South Asian American community and how South Asian attorneys can help address these challenges.
On November 3rd, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh was invited to speak at a special Sikh Seminar at the annual Yuba City Nagar Kirtan. He spoke on the effects of bullying and harassment of Sikh children in schools and tactics to deal with and prevent incidents of bullying..
The Yuba City Nagar Kirtan is one of the largest gatherings of the Sikhs in America, with tens of thousands of community members from all over North America to be part of this occasion. Other speakers included Professor Bruce LaBrack (University of the Pacific), Professor Paul Engelsberg (Walden University), Dr Rajwant Singh (SCORE) and Simran Kaur (Sikh Coalition). Additionally, special recognition for CA Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, Darshan Singh Mundy, CA State Senator Loni Hancock and Dr. Onkar Bindra were all recognized for their instrumental efforts in helping enact legislation related to Workplace Religious Freedom and getting materials on Sikhism in the school system in California.
SALDEF Speaks to Local University Students
SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh spoke to a South Asian Studies class from Towson University near Baltimore, MD on November 14th. The presentation included an introduction to Sikh Americans and current challenges. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion about how to balance national security and religious liberty. The presentation was attended by 20 students and was followed by a Q&A session.
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SALDEF is pleased to continue to engage and educate students and the general public on Sikh Americans and Sikhism. If you are interested in coordinating a speaker for an event please contact us.
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On November 14, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh presented to over a dozen officers and agents representing the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Las Vegas Fire Department. The training presented basic understanding of the Sikh faith, dispelled common misconceptions of Sikhs, and discussed how to better interact and partner with the Sikh American community..
The training was initiated as a follow up to the landmark partnership between SALDEF and the LMVPD to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.
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As a result of the successful training, SALDEF has been invited back to participate in a Las Vegas-wide training on January 24th for local and federal law enforcement agencies across the area.
Sikh Scouts College Day Event — A National Success! 
On Sunday, November 18th, a series of events on college campuses across the country were held to empower the younger generation of Sikh American. Over 80 youth attendees were matched with a mentor, and participated in one-on-one and group question and answer sessions. The events, organized by Sikh Scouts, targeted juniors and seniors in high school to discuss the college experience, tour a local college campus, and answer general questions about the college application process. Attendees were given tours to university campuses throughout the country, including the following: New York University (NYU), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Princeton University, and Southern Methodist University/University of Texas at Dallas. Mentors are also available for any follow up questions mentees have for current or future interest in higher education, if you are interested in hosting a similar event in your area contact us.
Throughout the month of November, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the Department of Justice and Sheriff’s Office in Portland, ME during six independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 220 individuals in attendance. The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement. The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.
On Sunday, November 18th, a series of events on college campuses across the country were held to empower the younger generation of Sikh American. Over 80 youth attendees were matched with a mentor, and participated in one-on-one and group question and answer sessions. The events, organized by Sikh Scouts, targeted juniors and seniors in high school to discuss the college experience, tour a local college campus, and answer general questions about the college application process. Attendees were given tours to university campuses throughout the country, including the following: New York University (NYU), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Princeton University, and Southern Methodist University/University of Texas at Dallas. Mentors are also available for any follow up questions mentees have for current or future interest in higher education, if you are interested in hosting a similar event in your area contact us.
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Throughout the month of November, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the Department of Justice and Sheriff’s Office in Portland, ME during six independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 220 individuals in attendance. The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement. The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground. SALDEF Attends Diwali Celebration at White House 
Last week, for the fourth year, SALDEF attended the White House’s Diwali celebration. The event brought together South Asian community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and Obama Administration officials, as well as Members of Congress and the Diplomatic Corps. Several speakers, including Vice President Joe Biden, recognized the Wisconsin Shooting earlier this year and acknowledged the Sikh American community’s resilience and spirit. Read the President’s statement on the Observance of Diwali.
Last week, for the fourth year, SALDEF attended the White House’s Diwali celebration. The event brought together South Asian community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and Obama Administration officials, as well as Members of Congress and the Diplomatic Corps. Several speakers, including Vice President Joe Biden, recognized the Wisconsin Shooting earlier this year and acknowledged the Sikh American community’s resilience and spirit. Read the President’s statement on the Observance of Diwali. - December 9th — Know Your Rights Forum – Sterling, VA
- January 3rd – Howard County Diversity Day
- January 24th — Las Vegas Law Enforcement Training
- January 27th – Know Your Rights Forum – Dallas, TX