March 2012 Advocate

Death Letter Sent to Sikh American Family
A hate crime investigation is ongoing in the case of a death threat letter sent to a Sikh American family in Sterling, Virginia.  The letter was received by the family on February 28, and addressed to ‘Turban Family”.  SALDEF has been in contact with local law enforcement, the FBI, US Attorney”s Office and the Department of Justice urging a full investigation of the crime.  Additionally, SALDEF has requested increased police presence around the family”s home during this period.

Learn More: Read full story, , WTOP (CBS Affiliate)

SALDEF Conducts Cultural Awareness trainings for EEOC District Offices
Last month, SALDEF conducted a series of diversity trainings for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Over 150 members of the EEOC including attorneys, investigators, mediators, and staff were informed about the Sikh faith and religious practices through these trainings. The presentations were conducted on February 1st and February 8th in the EEOC’s district offices of Philadelphia, PA and Los Angeles, CA, respectively.  Based on the positive feedback of the presentation, SALDEF has engaged with several additional EEOC district offices to conduct similar trainings for their staff. SALDEF believes that through these trainings, employment discrimination cases against Sikh Americans will be more effectively and efficiently handled.

To report incidents of discrimination in the workplace, please contact us.

SALDEF Conducts Sikh Awareness Presentation for US Park Police
On February 21, 2012, SALDEF conducted a training for the United States Park Police of the National Park Service in Washington DC. The U.S. Park Police provides law enforcement services to designated areas within our national parks and is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country.  More than 50 members of the service were in attendance and received the training; this was the second training SALDEF was invited to conduct for the Park Police over the last two months.

Visit the New SikhLEAD.org Website!
SALDEF is excited to launch the new and improved SikhLEAD Leadership Development website.  SikhLEAD is a SALDEF initiative created to foster Sikh leadership, empowerment and development. SikhLEAD aims to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated and enterprising group of young Sikh Americans as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.  This program is a multifaceted initiative consisting of several programs that will be offered annually to Sikh youth.

2012 Sikh American Pocket Calendars Still Available
This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.  The calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the inside, the cards have a 2012 calendar in an easy-to-use design. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries. The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling.  .

SALDEF Condemns Offensive Rhetoric Used by Public Figures
SALDEF has signed-on with coalition partners to letters condemning the use of offensive racial and religious rhetoric by public figures running for office. During this election season, numerous candidates have unfortunately made xenophobic statements, commercials and attacks. As one letter states: “By playing on racial and religious biases, such statements made by candidates can contribute to a climate that fosters discrimination, and even violence, against community members.” Read the letter, championed by the Anti-Defamation League, here.

SALDEF Participates in Bullying Symposium
SALDEF was invited to participate in a Bullying Symposium presented by the Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence and the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in Silver Spring, Maryland. The free symposium focused on prevention and intervention strategies and served as a forum and discussion for parents, students, educators, members and leaders of the business and faith communities. Over 400 people attended the symposium. School bullying is, unfortunately, an issue effecting  many Sikh American children on an everyday basis, interfering with their ability to learn in a  safe school environment.

If you or someone you know is facing bullying issues in their school, please contact SALDEF immediately and take 60 seconds to contact your Congressman and Senator to support the Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2011 (SSIA) here!

Asian America Cinema On Demand
Cinema Asian America is an On Demand destination featuring Asian-American content that reflects the diversity and depth of Asian American culture and its cinema.  The new offering gives Comcast digital video customers access to award-winning movies featured on the film festival circuit, and short- and feature-length works with genres ranging from documentary to experimental. Visit the Cinema Asian America Facebook fan page and click the “Like” button to stay updated on the latest news, events and activities for all Asian-American entertainment.

Community Resource for Home Foreclosures
South Asians Americans Leading Together (SAALT) and the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations partner, Chhaya CDC, are proud to announce a new resource for South Asian community members regarding foreclosures. SALDEF is proud to support and provide the Sikh American community with copies of this new resource from SAALT, “Your Home, Your Family, Your Security: A Guide for the South Asian Community.” This guide provides basic information to homeowners on how to avoid foreclosure, options for individuals whose homes are currently in foreclosure, how to avoid foreclosure rescue scams, and resources for housing counseling. It is available in English, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

Upcoming Events:

  • March 23 and 24 – Presentation at Days of Diversity; Castro Valley, CA
  • March 28 – EEOC Training; Baltimore, MD
  • April 4 – EEOC Training; Newark, New Jersey
  • April 4 – EEOC Training; New York, New York
  • April 18 – Department of Justice Law Enforcement Training Presentation; Lexington, KY