Since 2008, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, a Sikh American paramedic from New Mexico, has been discriminated against by his employer because of his mandated religious identity. Mr. Khalsa has endured disparaging remarks and threats, and, in one incident, was even physically assaulted. The hospital administration targeted him by suddenly implementing a “no-beards” policy in retaliation for his complaints, telling Mr. Khalsa he must either shave or lose his job. Show solidarity with Mr. Khalsa – nearly 1000 letters have already been sent demanding religious accommodation. Take action now! 
On May 6, 2011, Navtej Singh Khalsa presented at the Law Enforcement Training Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL to 65 representatives of the Sheriff’s Hate Crimes Task Force, the US Attorney’s offices, and local police departments. The training, entitled Building Cultural Competence: Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face. The presentation included a viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground, which was co-produced with the Department of Justice. 
A presentation, part of an on-going discussion about diversity and religion, was delivered on June 2, 2011, by Jaswant Singh Chani at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Jaswant presented on the cultural, religious, and historical traditions of the Sikhs to an audience of over 100 faculty members. To read more, click here. Please contact us if you would like SALDEF to conduct a presentation in your community. 
On May 17, SALDEF hosted and presented at the Department of Homeland Security Community Roundtable in Los Angeles, CA. The meeting, held annually in DC and LA, gives community organizations and government agencies the opportunity to discuss current issues and government policies. SALDEF welcomed over 80 participants at our newly opened Southern California office, and spoke to the group about the success of our Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEPP) over the past ten years. 
The Bhujangi Academy is a ten day outdoor camp for boys, ages 13-16, to provide life skills, goals, and expectations, while connecting them to their roots and heritage. The program is directed toward young men that are: having problems in school or with family, exhibiting low self-esteem and/or low motivation, making poor peer and relationship choices, defiant of authority, refusing to take responsibility, or experimenting with drugs or alcohol. The camp will be held from August 1-10, 2011. Trained professionals, youth role models, and invited guests will all make this a life-changing event that the young men in our community will not want to miss. To register, apply to volunteer, or for more information, click here. 
Khoj has announced three scholarships, worth $1000 each, for undergraduate students. The scholarships award students who have demonstrated humanitarian, academic, or all-around excellence. Applicants must be 17-25 years of age, currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at a four year institution, and a U.S. resident. The application, which can be downloaded here, must be submitted by July 1, 2011. Upcoming Events
- Religious Pluralism: Shaping the American Identity – Van Nuys, CA, June 22
- Know Your Rights Forum – Fresno, CA, June 26
- Worship & The Workplace: A Panel Discussion – San Diego, CA, July 12
- Sikh Awareness Presentation to Transit Police Head Office – Boston, MA, July 13