California Gurdwara Robbed at Gunpoint
On January 27, 2013, three hooded men entered one of the two Gurdwaras in Livingston, CA, took money from the golak (donation box), and then silenced a woman reciting Akhand Paat on their way out. One man was armed with a gun, one with a knife, and the third appeared to be unarmed. No one was hurt, but thousands of dollars were taken in cash. Livingston Police Chief Ruben Chavez has said, “Obviously it’s someone who knew the temple because they knew where to go.” The news is quite disturbing; especially in light of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting that took place last August. The robbers could face several charges if arrested. As of now, the police plan to increase their presence at both of the Livingston Gurdwaras. Click here to read more.
SALDEF Job Announcement—Communications Director
SALDEF is seeking a Communications Director to lead media related efforts for the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization. A preferred applicant will have experience in managing media relations and contacts, conducting news conferences, developing media strategies and pitch stories. Additionally, this position requires the management of SALDEF’s social media sites, the ability to write, produce and edit community and national advisories, and coordinate the scheduling of advertising for media and event programs. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three years of relevant experience; demonstrated experience in public relations, journalism, civil liberties law, or a related field requiring significant writing and public relations duties.
If interested, please click here for more information and the application process. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Order the New Sikh American Informational Cards Today!
Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our newly redesigned Sikh Information Cards. The 2013 Sikh Information Cards are the size of a standard business card and feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States on the front and back of the card. Like the pocket calendars that were produced in the past, these new cards are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, restaurants, or public libraries. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials. Spanish Language cards are also available.
The cards are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees. .
SALDEF Welcomes Legislative Intern
SALDEF is excited to introduce our new Legislative Intern, Rajwinder Kaur. Rajwinder joins SALDEF as part of the UCDC Program which is a program of the University of California system and gives students the opportunity to live, work and study in our nation’s capital. Rajwinder is a senior at University of California, Santa Cruz and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and hopes to attend law school in the future. Rajwinder is an active member of the Sikh Student Association and the Indian Student Organization on campus. Find out more about Rajwinder’s internship experience by reading her blog post here.
SALDEF Supports Voter Protection for Asian Americans
SALDEF has signed-on to an amicus brief which will be submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Shelby County v. Holder. Written by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) and Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), this brief addresses the continuing necessity and relevance of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act to Asian Americancommunities. The protections afforded under Section 5 include language assistance at the polls, ensuring participation and representation in local elections and scrutinizing redistricting efforts. Section 5 remains a vital tool for civic empowerment and deterrence against discrimination.
Continuing Training for Law Enforcement Agencies in Nevada
On January 24th, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh was invited to conduct a training for roughly 50 first responders across Southern Nevada. Those in attendance included representatives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the FBI-Las Vegas office, the US Attorney”s office, the NV Department of Wildlife Management, Nevada Highway Patrol, as well as a number local hotel/casino security chiefs including the Aria andMGM Casinos, and Las Vegas Security Chiefs Association. During the two hour presentation, the background of Sikhs and Sikh Americans was discussed, giving the participants the opportunity to address specific questions and concerns they may have about appropriate and respectful ways to interact with Sikh community members. “The feedback that I collected after the presentation was the best of the entire training session.” said LVMPD Training Officer Jon Kikkert. “The presentation and presenter was professional, prepared, and informative and provided information that officers could use in the field.”
SALDEF would like to offer our sincere thanks to Officer Jon Kikkert and the LVMPD for organizing and hosting the event, as well as local Sikh American community members, Amar Chadha, Teji Malik, and Dr. Amarjit Pannu, for their contributions during the presentation.
Scholarship Opportunity: Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty presents a scholarship opportunity open to all current high school juniors and seniors. Eligible students must write an essay of 800-1,200 words in response to the posted prompt. Grand prize is a $2,000 scholarship and airfare and lodging for two to Washington, D.C; second prize is $1,000; third prize is $250. For more information, please .
5Rivers Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for High School Students
The 5Rivers Scholarship Program provides financial support to Sikh students who are motivated to pursue higher education opportunities but lack the financial resources to get there. The 5Rivers Scholarship Program works with a network of Sikh community organizations to identify candidates and provide additional support and resources to ensure the award recipients have ongoing academic, spiritual and personal support, as well as opportunities to deepen their connections within and beyond their community. Through a second program, the SAT Grant Program, helps Sikh students strengthen their college application by covering SAT preparation course fees for eligible students who cannot afford the test on their own.
SALDEF encourages all eligible Sikh youth to apply. For more information, please click here.
Upcoming events
– February 21 – Department of Homeland Security Roundtable – Los Angeles, CA
– February 23rd – Responding to Xenophobia, Columbia University — New York, NY
– February 26th – Serving the South Asian Community Event – Los Angeles, CA
– March 10th – Know Your Rights Forum – Dallas, TX
– March 22nd– March 23rd – Days of Diversity Presentations; Castro Valley, CA
– March 27th – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Cultural Diversity Training – San Diego, CA
– October 13th — SALDEF 2013 National Gala – Washington, DC