Department of Justice Adds SALDEF Sikh Cultural Awareness Training to Community Relations Service (CRS) Website
SALDEF has played a leading role in improving the understanding of Sikh American religious and cultural practices among law enforcement and government agencies nationwide.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), SALDEF developed On Common Ground: Sikh American Cultural Competency Training for Law Enforcement, a training video designed to reduce bias, prevent misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships between Sikh communities and public institutions.
Launched: January 2007
Reach: Viewed by more than 65,000 law enforcement officials in the United States
Adoption: Used by all TSA screeners at U.S. airports
Global Impact: Requested by law enforcement agencies in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, India, and Brazil
Federal Recognition: Hosted by the DOJ’s Community Relations Service (CRS)
This work builds on SALDEF’s broader Educational Outreach efforts with federal agencies, including:
- DOJ Collaboration (2004): Common Sikh American Head Coverings — a poster educating local, state, and federal officials on Sikh articles of faith, including the dastaar (turban), and best practices for respectful engagement.
- DHS Collaboration (2006): Sikh Americans and the Kirpan — guidance developed with the Department of Homeland Security to promote awareness and ensure appropriate interactions between Sikh Americans and federal law enforcement.
Director of DOJ-CRS, Ondray T Harris remarked, “On Common Ground serves as a valuable tool in educating law enforcement officials, airport personnel, and various communities across the United States on the cultural and religious practices associated with Sikhism. Awareness of cultural and religious observations can help avoid misunderstanding and tension. Towards this goal, On Common Ground can assist the public in understanding the challenges and realizing the contributions of the Sikh community in the United States. Former CRS Director Sharee Freeman, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and other local, state, and federal agencies are to be commended for their extraordinary efforts in making On Common Ground possible.”
Together, these initiatives demonstrate SALDEF’s long-standing commitment to proactive education, institutional accountability, and protecting the civil rights and dignity of Sikh Americans through partnership and policy-informed outreach.