Background: Founded as the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) in 1996, SALDEF is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and educational organization in the United States. We empower Sikh Americans through four program areas: legal assistance, educational outreach, legislative advocacy and media relations. Summary: The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. SALDEF is seeking interns to assist in the following 4 areas: Legal Research Interns (2 positions) Intern(s) will conduct legal research on issues relating to religious freedom under the supervision of SALDEF’s Legal Director. The Intern(s) will be encouraged to develop writing projects for submission to law reviews and other legal periodicals. Applicant must be enrolled at an accredited law school, have excellent research and writing skills, and must be mature, responsible, and goal-oriented. Legislative Interns (2 positions) Intern(s) will be intimately involved with lobbying on National and State legislation. Functions include organizing lobby visits with Congressional offices, drafting official correspondence supporting specific legislation, and engaging in an innovative legislative strategy on hate crimes, religious freedom, racial profiling, and immigration. Applicant must be highly self-motivated and mature. Legislative experience is not necessary. Communications Intern (1 position) Intern will work with SALDEF staff to develop a comprehensive professional communications strategy with the goal of expanding SALDEF’s reach into the community and relationships with national and international media outlets. Applicant must have some background in Journalism, Communications, or a comparable field. Experience in advanced Web 2.0 initiatives required. Development Interns (2 positions) Intern(s) will work with senior SALDEF staff assisting in the design and implementation of a development strategy to grow SALDEF’s organizational capacity and community outreach efforts. Applicant must have experience in Business, Management or comparable field. Qualifications: The program is designed for Sikh American students, although students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicant must exhibit; excellent writing/research skills; demonstrated academic achievement; skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications; good work ethic and motivated highly desirable; attention to detail a must. Benefits: Applicants will have the opportunity to be mentored by civil rights leaders and attend political events in the Nation’s Capital. Applicants will have the unique opportunity to work on National issues of concern and develop critical project management and implementation skills and techniques. College credit for internship has also been arranged in the past. Education: Applicants must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies. Preferred College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Graduate Students. Location: Applicants are preferred to work in Washington, DC. Remote access work is offered on a case-by-case basis. Time: Internships are offered full-time (40 hours per week) and with occasional weekend and evening commitments Schedules are flexible according to each candidate’s commitments. Stipend: Availability is based on a case-by-case basis. Deadline: ROLLING To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter with references, resume, and 5-page writing sample to the below address. If applying for a stipend, please add a Statement of Need. SALDEF C/O Internship Director 1413 K Street NW, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Faxes accepted at (202) 318-4433 Email applications as word attachments to info@saldef.org
SALDEF Internship Program
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) continues to work for the community to ensure the Sikh American voice is heard at all levels of government, from Congress to State Legislatures. Hate Crime Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress. This vital piece of legislation would assist state and local anti-bias efforts by enabling the Justice Department to assist officials in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Religious Freedom Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress to ensure that Sikhs are not forced to check their religion at the door of their workplace. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) would prevent employers from denying employment or advancement to a Sikh simply because of his or her daastar, kesh, kirpan, or kara. Anti-Bullying Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress to ensure our children attend school free from harassment and bullying. Our children have the right to be academically successful and free from bullying; however, many schools across the country have inadequate policies governing school harassment. Racial Profiling Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress on the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA). This legislation will prohibit law enforcement from engaging in racial profiling and targeting Americans solely based on their physical appearance. If you believe in protecting your fellow Sikhs from hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and bullying show your support today! Government Relations SALDEF continues to collaborate with government officials, representing the interests of the Sikh American community. SALDEF is continually the sole Sikh representative at meetings with the United States Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through your generous support, SALDEF will be able to continue to ensure that Congress passes laws which protect the rights of Sikh Americans across the nation. Make your tax-deductible contribution before the year ends to support this work done in the spirit of seva.
Thanks to the largest Sikh pro-bono legal team in the nation, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), has successfully defended the rights of hundreds of Sikh Americans. Protecting Our Children: Pennsylvania SALDEF defended of Harshaan Singh Athwal to wear his patka while playing for his youth soccer team. Harshaan was barred from playing his favorite sport by a referee who felt concerned by his patka. SALDEF worked with his family and the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League to ensure Harshaan would be allowed to play soccer while wearing his mandated religious head covering. You can help protect our children across the country for as little as $5 or $10 a month. Defending Constitutional Rights: Texas SALDEF and the ACLU on behalf of Amardeep Singh who was denied his constitutional right to defend himself in court because he is a Sikh. Mr. Singh was thrown out of a Dallas Courtroom because the Judge felt the turban was a violation of the court’s dress policy. If you believe in protecting the constitutional rights and guaranteed freedoms of your fellow Sikhs show your support today! Ensuring Religious Freedom: Oregon Meherbani Kaur Khalsa was stopped by an agent at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from taking her driver’s license photograph while wearing her turban. SALDEF worked with the State of Oregon to clarify the exception for religious head coverings and allow Ms. Khalsa to maintain her Sikh identity for her Drivers License. Justice for Victims of Hate: Maryland On the anniversary of September 11, a horrified family saw their grandfathers return home severely beaten after their evening walk. SALDEF worked with county officials and the local community to identify the high school aged attackers. SALDEF continues to work with the police and local schools in Maryland increase awareness and understanding of the Sikh American community. Through your generous support, SALDEF will continue to defend the rights of Sikh Americans across the nation. Make your one-time or recurring contribution before the year ends to help continue this work done in the spirit of seva.
Over 60,000 law enforcement officials from across the United States have screened On Common Ground: Sikh American Cultural Awareness Training for Law Enforcement.
| Law Enforcement Trained in 2007 Federal Agencies: Local Officials in: |
In a groundbreaking partnership, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the U.S. Department of Justice – Community Relations Service (DOJ-CRS) produced this pioneering Sikh American cultural awareness training film especially for law enforcement. You can watch the film .
Then U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez reflected, “[On Common Ground] makes clear that Sikhs are an integral part of American society. I commend CRS, and I offer my sincere appreciation to CRS and SALDEF for their perseverance and creative effort in producing this educational film.”
Since its release in 2007, the training program has become an integral part of law enforcement education throughout the United States and is used extensively by federal, state, and local law enforcement. The training video is also being used as a model for law enforcement agencies worldwide including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Through your generous support, SALDEF will continue to develop innovative strategies to inform the American public about Sikhism and create a more inviting environment for our families and children. Make your contribution before the year ends to support this work done in the spirit of seva.
Order Custom Sikh American Awareness Cards for Your Business Washington, DC: December 19, 2007 – With 2008 around the corner, now is the time to place your order for the popular Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. The calendars are an easy-to-use tool to increase awareness about Sikhs and Sikhism in your local community. In their fifth year of production, over 250,000 calendars have already been distributed. The 2008 calendars have full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the reverse, they feature an easy-to-use 2008 calendar. The English and Spanish calendars are available in packages of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling. Custom Sikh American Awareness cards are also available. Perfect for business and individuals, these cards feature your custom design on the front and an introduction on Sikh Americans on the back. For more information or to place an order, email pubs@saldef.org. The calendars are perfect for distribution at your workplace, convenience store, gas station, senior citizens center, schools, or public library. Hundreds of thousands of 2008 calendars have already been shared with friends, neighbors, customers, and officials.
Year-Long Campaign Trains Entire Boston Police Force
Washington, D.C. – December 11, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, concluded a highly successful year-long campaign to train the entire Boston Police Department (BPD) on Sikh religious practices. The over 3,000 BPD officers join the 95,000 trained by SALDEF across the nation. 
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis remarked: “This program has provided officers a tremendous opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the cultural and historical factors impacting the Sikh community. The city of Boston is a melting pot of diversity. Therefore, it is critical that our officers are exposed to a curriculum that includes cross-cultural awareness that strengthens community relations and prevents cultural misunderstandings.” Beginning in January 2007, SALDEF New England Director Navjeet Singh and a group of dedicated community activists and volunteers have been training law enforcement officers every week to increase cultural awareness of the Sikh American community and develop an ongoing partnership between law enforcement and the community. “It’s important that police leaders in our community are aware of and have an understanding of the diversity in the City of Boston,” said Mr. Singh. “The completion of this training is a first step in working more with our fellow Americans to ensure they understand who we are and what we believe.” 
The training is part of SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program which has trained over 95,000 law enforcement officers over the past eight years. In 2007 alone, SALDEF training efforts have already reached over 14,000 law enforcement officers in cities across the nation including Washington, DC; Columbia, MO; Des Moines, IA; Greensboro, NC; Charlestown, WV; Portland, OR; and Pittsburgh, PA. Additionally, all 43,000 Transportation Security Officers in the United States will view On Common Ground by year’s end as part of their mandated training. SALDEF would like to thank the U.S. Department of Justice and acknowledge the Boston volunteers: Satnam Singh, Sarbjit Singh Thiara, Kanwaldeep Singh Arneja, Jaswant Singh Chani, KaviRaj Singh, and Achint Kaur, for their dedication to ensure this training endeavor was carried out to its successful conclusion. If you would like to conduct a similar training in your area, please contact SALDEF at training@saldef.org or (202) 393-2700.
English and Spanish calendars available to help educate the community Washington, DC: November 20, 2007 – As 2008 nears, now is the time to place your order for the Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. The calendars are a popular and easy-to-use tool to increase awareness about Sikhs and Sikhism in your local community. In their fifth year of production, the 2008 calendars have full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the back, the calendars have a 2008 calendar in a small, handy, easy-to-use design. The calendars are available in packages of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling fees.
| “The Pocket Calendars are a great way to introduce myself to my customers. They are a must have for all Sikh businesses.” An Oregon Small Business Owner |
To help you reach out more effectively to your community, friends, and neighbors, Spanish language versions of the 2008 pocket calendars are also available. The calendars are perfect for distribution at your workplace, schools, convenience store, gas station, senior citizens center, or public library. Sikhs across the nation have shared them with their friends, neighbors, customers, and local officials. Finally, SALDEF is again offering community members the opportunity to order personalized Sikh Awareness cards. These cards will have the design of the purchaser’s choice on the front and will have information about Sikh Americans on the back. This option is great for college students, professionals, and anyone else wanting to expand understanding of the Sikh religion. Please contact us at pubs@saldef.org for more information. SALDEF commends the Sikh American community for taking the initiative to inform their friends, co-workers, customers, and acquaintances about their culture and faith.
Washington, D.C., November 13, 2007 — The Commonwealth of Virginia Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Simran Singh an “accident” despite evidence of dozens of severe bruises to Mr. Singh’s head, neck, and torso. Additionally, the report indicates that Mr. Singh was physically restrained and choked by his assailants for “four to five minutes.” On August 3, 2007, Simran Singh, a twenty-one year-old student from George Mason University, was reportedly found by police on I-395 in Arlington, Virginia, unconscious, badly bruised, and bleeding severely. Four individuals were with Mr. Singh at the time – to SALDEF’s knowledge, none have been charged or even investigated. During their investigation, the Arlington County Police Department engaged in a series of questionable practices which SALDEF considers police misconduct. Over the course of the investigation, SALDEF has come across numerous instances in which the Detective on the case hindered the criminal investigation. The Arlington County Board was contacted by SALDEF and key individuals who met with the family. The County Board has yet to assist the parents of Mr. Singh in their attempts to understand what happened to their son or addressing concerns about police misconduct during the investigation. The offices of Senator John Warner, Congressman Tom Davis, and Governor Tim Kaine have expressed their support and offered assistance to the family. SALDEF urges the community to ensure that justice is found in this case and that Simran Singh’s assailants are not allowed to escape justice. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, has expressed the deep concerns of the Washington, DC metropolitan Sikh American community over the investigation and handling of the incident by Arlington County. SALDEF has fielded countless calls from concerned community members regarding this incident. PRESS CONTACT: media@saldef.org
New Tool Developed to Help Protect Sikh Travelers’ Rights Washington, D.C.– October 26, 2007: On Saturday, October 27, 2007, new airport screening procedures will go into effect with respect to baggy clothing and all head coverings. To help Sikh travelers go through the screening process, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS, have developed “A Sikh Traveler’s Guide” to screening procedures at American airports. The “Sikh Traveler’s Guide” contains a detailed description of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) head covering screening policy and steps to be taken if you are wearing a turban. The document also describes your rights as a traveler through America’s airports. It is available in English and Punjabi. To help Sikh travelers more easily navigate the screening process, SALDEF has created a simple visual guide available in English and Punjabi. This guide can easily be carried with you while you travel. In response to the efforts of the Sikh American community and concerns over improper searches of the turban, an article of faith, the TSA worked to develop screening procedures which help to ensure the safety of the nation’s airports and respects the religious practices of all travelers. In order to ensure the procedure is being effectively implemented SALDEF requests you document your airport screening experience. Your feedback will give us the data to inform TSA if the new security procedure is effective and respectful of the religious freedom of all Americans.
SALDEF receives Congressional Citation from Congressman Chris Van Hollen
Washington, DC: October 19, 2007 – On October 11, 2007, Sikh Americans and civil rights leaders from across the nation gathered to join the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, to recognize individuals who have helped in the empowerment and development of the Sikh American Community.
The Reverand Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of the Interfaith Alliance, set the tone of the evening with his keynote address, “When the next chapter of the Civil Rights struggle is written, not only will there be the names of King and Height, Bond and Parks, there will be the names Singh and Kaur.” Rev. Gaddy reflected on the recent controversy over the turban screening policy, “Your current struggle in the Sikh community, your current struggle with the TSA, highlights the sad challenge that stems from ignorance about religion, and the fear that is eroding the foundation of our Constitution.” Rev. Gaddy praised the efforts of the Sikh community, “Of all of the religious traditions that I know of in this nation, the Sikh community has done a better job identifying itself to the American public than any other religious group.” View Rev. Gaddy”s remarks .
The Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) presented a Congressional Citation to SALDEF for “working to guarantee civil rights…and encourage[ing] our community to embrace and appreciate its diversity.” SALDEF President Mirin Kaur, accepted the award on behalf of SALDEF and applauded Congressman Van Hollen’s commitment to the protection of Sikh American civil rights in Maryland.
Sardar Ujagar Singh was honored with the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award for his decades of sewa (selfless-service) and dedication to Sikh American youth. Through Camp Chardi Kala, Sardar Ujagar Singh has educated and inspired countless Sikh American youth and filled them with the pride in their faith. Sardar Singh noted the success of his campers and the work SALDEF is doing for the community. Watch Sardar Ujagar Singh”s remarks .
Danial Sutherland, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Department of Homeland Security, received the SALDEF Public Service Award for developing a more sustainable relationship between the Arab, Muslim, and Sikh American community and DHS which will help protect minority communities and better safeguard the United States
Julian Bond, Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, received the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award for his lifetime dedication to advancing the civil rights of all Americans. Rev. Gaddy praised Julian Bond as “a living example of a reason not to lose hope.” Mr. Bond shared, “You couldn’t help but sit through this evening and not recognize the commonality between us. If you are a human being you have equal rights, and those equal rights must be respected not only by your fellow humans, but by the states in which you live. It is encouraging to see others struggling for this common cause.”
Sukhman Singh Dhami and Jaskaran Kaur, were both recognized with the inaugural SALDEF Youth Leadership Award as co-founders and co-directors of ENSAAF a premier Sikh human rights organization, dedicated to the struggle for justice of our brothers and sisters in Punjab and across the world. Their dedication to the cause of justice and equality is a true inspiration for young Sikhs across the country.