Sikh Community from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey encouraged to attend. Washington, DC– The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), in conjunction with the Bridgewater Gurdwara Sahib, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Glen Rock, the Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar Sahib of Port Reading, and the Sri Guru Singh Sabha of Carteret, has invited several government officials to participate in a community forum this Saturday, June 15, 2006. Members of the Sikh American community from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are encouraged to attend this event with their children so that they may be informed about their civil rights. The following representatives will be attending the forum: Edward McCaffrey – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) David Livingston– Somerset County Superintendent; New Jersey Department of Education Phillip Freeman – Office of the New Jersey Attorney General; Division of Civil Rights Mr. Leslie Wiser, Jr. – Special Agent-In-Charge; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Invitations have also been extended to representatives from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Raritan Police Department. DATE: 6/15/2006 TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 PM LOCATION: The “Atrium,” Raritan Valley Community College Route 28 and Lamington Road North Branch, NJ 07047 These forums provide a unique opportunity for Sikh community members to learn about their rights and about protecting their families and our community from hate crimes and harassment. The focus of these forums is to bring to the sangat the individuals who are responsible for litigating egregious cases of religious and national origin discrimination for a meaningful face-to-face interaction. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the founding of SALDEF/SMART, SALDEF will be organizing similar events across the country. SALDEF encourages all residents of the Tri-State area to attend. We thank the management and community members of the Bridgewater Gurdwara Sahib, the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, the Gurdwara Sri Dashmesh Darbar Sahib, and the Sri Guru Singh Sabha for supporting and sponsoring this event.
Know Your Rights Forum to be held in New Jersey
SALDEF’s 10th Anniversary Celebration & Leadership Conference Celebrating 10 years of Service to the Sikh American Community June 18-19, 2006 Register Now for SALDEF’s Leadership Conference and 10th Anniversary Banquet • Meet Sikh Canadian Member of Parliament Honorable Navdeep Singh Bains, U.S. Congrssman Michael Honda (CA), Director of the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service Ms. Sharee Freeman, former U.S. Congresswoman Honorable Mary Rose Oakar, Ratanjit Singh Sondhe, and many others. • Attend the SALDEF Leadership and Empowerment Conference and participate in panels and workshops on Essentials of Leadership, Effective Communication, Community Organizing and gain key insight into the career building process during the Career Development panel. CONFERENCE PROGRAM The National Leadership and Empowerment Conference is dedicated to the development and fostering of the future generation of Sikh American leaders. The panels are designed to empower and engage young Sikh professionals and students on proven leadership strategies that will aid them in their chosen fields and paths. SALDEF National Leadership & Empowerment Conference WHERE: Marvin Center, George Washington University 800 21st St NW, Washington DC 20052 DATE: June 18, 2006 TIME: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm BANQUET PROGRAM The 2006 Annual Banquet will be a unique opportunity for Sikhs from across North America, to come together with civic leaders, government officials and SALDEF’s coalition partners to recognize individuals who have helped move the Sikh American community forward, hear from community members who have benefited form SALDEF’s and meet new friends. SALDEF 2006 Annual Banquet WHERE: Caucus Room, 325 Russell Senate Office Building Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20510 DATE: June 19, 2006 TIME: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm REGISTRATION SALDEF has created easy to use on-line forms to register for both the Leadership Conference and Annual Banquet. HOTEL INFORMATION The Washington Plaza Hotel offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan ambiance and unpretentious hospitality in an uncommonly spacious setting, right in the heart of Washington, DC. It is conveniently accessible by public transportation (bus and metro.) For information on the hotel visit: http://www.washingtonplazahotel.com/. SALDEF has arranged special rates for participants. Please use the booking code “ SALDEF” when reserving rooms to receive special discounted rates for Conference and Banquet attendees. Call Washington Plaza Hotel for reservation at: 202-842-1300 / 800-424-1140 REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY This event is also an ideal venue to reach out to one of the largest annual gatherings of Sikh Americans and their supporters. Sponsorship, advertising, and exhibitor opportunities are available. Advertising rates for the Convention program book start as low as $100. Reserve your ad or greeting in the Convention book today. FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Call Rajbir Singh Datta at 202-393-2700 ext. 27 to discuss advertising, sponsorship and underwriting opportunities.
SALDEF to conduct training in response to incident at Statue of Liberty Washington D.C., June 7, 2006 – The National Park Service has apologized to Gurvinderpal Singh and his other Sikh American friends for the inappropriate actions of the security staff at the Statue of Liberty in January 2006. In response to a complaint of harassment and misconduct filed by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the National Park Service (NPS) will be conducting cultural awareness training about Sikhs for their supervisors and staff. In her response to SALDEF’s complaint, NPS Regional Director Mary Bomar apologized “for any mistreatment of Mr. Gurvinderpal Singh and his colleagues”, and indicated how their security policy “does not excuse a disrespectful attitude on the part of our staff.” Additionally, Director Bomar wrote that, “We demand a high standard for all who work at the Statue of Liberty and the need for sensitivity to different cultural and religious beliefs is paramount. Anything less than a respectful attitude is totally unacceptable.” On January 16, 2006 during a visit to the Statue of Liberty, Mr. Gurvinderpal Singh and eight fellow Sikh Americans were harassed by security personnel for wearing their kirpans – a religious article of faith – and “appearing suspicious”. Upon entering the security gates, the group was initially worried about wearing their kirpans and calmly inquired as to what they should do with their articles of faith. The security guards immediately became hostile and told them they would not be allowed to pass through with their kirpans and told them that the kirpans could not be left in the guard’s possession because they would be confiscated. The group eventually left the security gates to place their kirpans in their vehicle; however, when they came back and attempted to go through the security gates, the nine Sikh Americans were harassed and treated like criminals. According to Gurvinderpal Singh’s account of the incident, “I took off my kirpan, and when I gave it to my friend to put it in the car I felt as if a part of me had died and I felt like breaking down and crying. I was eaten up with guilt.” These nine Sikh Americans were denied the ability to practice their faith freely and openly. Furthermore, the National Park Service security guards became hostile towards the group; treating them with suspicion and as criminals. Feeling humiliated by this treatment, Gurvinderpal Singh contacted SALDEF to address this incident of harassment. In a letter addressed to the National Parks Service Director and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, SALDEF noted that, “[c]onstitutionally, United States citizens have the right to free exercise of religion and any act of discrimination must undergo strict scrutiny. Though in this time of heightened security, measures can and certainly must be taken to prevent terrorist attacks, such hostile action should not be directed towards innocent people who are cooperative and transparent about their role as tourists. The Sikh Americans in this case were aboveboard with the information that they were Sikhs and were wearing their articles of faith. They were obliging in removing their Kirpan, an article of faith, to avoid possible violation of the security system, regardless of the emotional distress that it caused them to do so.” Along with the apology, NPS has agreed to work with US Department of Justice Community Relations Service and SALDEF to conduct separate Sikh cultural awareness trainings for the 100 supervisors in charge of security at other tourist attractions in the New York City/New Jersey area. This is a vital step in the continued protection of the 25 million Sikhs across the world who may visit New York City as tourists. The National Parks Service has undertaken a formal investigation into the incident in question and has said they will take appropriate actions with specific individuals. If you or anyone you know have been the victim of a similar incident or have experienced harassment of some kind, please contact SALDEF immediately so that the Sikh American can continue living without fear. PLEASE distribute this to your family, friends and at the local Gurdwara.
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2006 Tri-State residents encouraged to attend event featuring officials from federal, state and local agencies Washington D.C. – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the management of the Tri-State Sikh Cultural Society have invited several federal, state and local officials to participate in a community forum for the Sikh community in the greater tri-state area. The Sikh American community is encouraged to attend this event with their children so that they may be informed about their rights when encountering different federal and state agencies. Confirmed participants include representatives from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Monroeville police Department and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Invitations have also been extended to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs. The purpose of this event is to aid Sikh Americans in learning how to correctly respond to all forms of discrimination, hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents and bullying and harassment of school children. This forum will provide Sikh Americans with the crucial knowledge on appropriate responses and actions to take to protect and exercise their constitutional rights. SALDEF encourages all residents of the greater Tri-state area to attend. We thank the management and community members of the Tri-State Sikh Cultural Society for supporting and co-sponsoring this event. When: Saturday, April 8, 2006 Time: 3 pm – 5 pm Where: Tri-State Cultural Society Bedford 4407 McKenzie Drive Monroeville, PA 15146 For more information about this forum please go click here.
SALDEF’s 10th Anniversary Celebration & Leadership Conference Celebrating 10 years of Service to the Sikh American Community June 18-19, 2006 SALDEF’s 2006 Annual Banquet will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of SALDEF and recognize the unparalleled achievements and advocacy initiatives that SALDEF has undertaken on behalf of the Sikh American community over the past decade. This will be a unique opportunity for Sikhs from across North America, to come together with civic leaders, government officials and SALDEF’s coalition partners to reflect on important issues, recognize individuals who have helped move the Sikh American community forward, and to meet new friends. Additionally, on June 18, 2006, SALDEF will host the first ever National Sikh Leadership and Empowerment Conference designed to empower and engage young Sikh professionals and students on proven leadership strategies. For more information on the banquet and to register please click here: SALDEF 2006 Annual Banquet WHERE: Caucus Room, 325 Russell Senate Office Building Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20510 DATE: June 19, 2006 TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm For information on conference program, registration, and sponsorship opportunities please visit: http://saldef.wpengine.com/. SALDEF National Leadership & Empowerment Conference WHERE: Marvin Center, George Washington University DATE: June 18, 2006 TIME: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
For Immediate Release: March 20, 2006 Ohio residents encouraged to attend event featuring officials from federal, state and local agencies Washington D.C. – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the management of the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society of Bedford, Ohio have invited several federal, state and local officials to participate in a community forum for the Sikh community. The Sikh American community is encouraged to attend this event with their children so that they may be informed about their rights and learn how various federal and state agencies can assist if their rights are violated. Confirmed participants include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bedford Police Department, and Ohio Civil Rights Commission. The purpose of this event is to aid Sikh Americans in learning how to correctly respond to all forms of discrimination, hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents and bullying and harassment of school children. This forum will provide Sikh Americans with the crucial knowledge on appropriate responses and actions to take to protect and exercise their constitutional rights. SALDEF encourages all residents of the greater Cleveland metropolitan area to attend. We thank the management and community members of Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society for supporting and co-sponsoring this event. When: Saturday, March 25, 2006 Time: 3 pm – 5 pm Where: Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society of Bedford 38 Tarbell Road Bedford, Ohio For more information about this forum please go to: www.saldef.org/attachments/clevelandkyr.pdf
Tremendous Gathering Features SALDEF Awardees and Commemorates 10 years of Service to Sikh Americans Washington, D.C. – On June 19, 2006 Sikhs from across the country along with elected officials and honored guests, gathered to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) as well as recognize individuals who have helped in the empowerment and development of the Sikh American Community. The Honorable Navdeep Singh Bains, a Sikh Canadian Member of Parliament provided the evening’s Keynote address. In his address, Mr. Bains spoke about the strength of character and Sikh tenets that led him to dedicate his life to public service. “SALDEF is an organization that I have a great amount of respect and admiration for,” said MP Bains. “There is no parallel institution of this caliber that does this kind of work for the Sikh community and all communities.” Additionally, SALDEF was honored to award Canadian MP Bains with its inaugural SALDEF Youth Leadership Award for his extraordinary achievement of being elected to the Canadian Parliament and for embracing his role as an inspiration to Sikh youth worldwide. Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA) was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Dalip Singh Saund Legislative Leadership Award. The award is named after Dr. Saund, a Sikh American who became the first Asian American ever elected to the United States Congress in 1956. When introducing Congressman Honda, SALDEF co-founder and Acting Chair Manjit Singh remarked, “very rarely have we had such a close friend for the Sikh Community in Congress. [Congressman Honda] has been the most steadfast friend and it gives us special honor and privilege to recognize him for his dedication and public service.” Congressman Honda, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, noted that, “Congressman Dalip Singh Saund had fought for his position. I also know that he could not become a Congressman when he wanted to be because of the discriminatory laws that were existing at that time that did not allow people like him nor people like me to become citizens.” He added, “SALDEF is an organization that not only stands up for all people’s rights, Sikhs specifically, but they also make sure the contract of our country, the Constitution is fulfilled, that the Bill of Rights are fulfilled. It is to those ends that I dedicate my life to public service.” This year’s SALDEF Public Service Award recognized Ms. Sharee Freeman, Director of the United States Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service. Since September 11, 2001 Ms. Freeman has led CRS by vigilantly addressing issues that directly affect the Sikh American Community. In conjunction with SALDEF, CRS has helped educate thousands of law enforcement, airport screeners and security personnel across the country about the Sikh faith. In her acceptance speech, Director Freeman said, “In my mind, an award like this is for those who toil long and hard in communities across the country and who are rarely recognized for their hard work. Those are the people this award is for, not me.” This year’s Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award was presented to the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) for their efforts to build and sustain coalitions within the civil rights community. Ms. Height’s tireless efforts in struggling for equal rights included building bridges among a range of different communities. Accepting the award on behalf of ADC, the Honorable Mary Rose Oakar noted, “The great thing about our country is its diversity, it’s cultural and religious diversity. I thank SALDEF for this award and for its tremendous work on behalf of the Sikh American community.” Recognizing the achievements of a member of the Sikh American community, the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award was presented to Ratanjit Singh Sondhe of Ohio. An internationally renowned chemist, entrepreneur, stress-free expert, author, speaker and consultant, Dr. Sondhe has been an active voice on behalf of the Sikh community through lobbying for legislation and interfaith outreach. Among the guests attending the Banquet was Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). In her remarks to the congregation the Congresswoman commented, “What an honor to be able to say a decade of service in fighting for equality, respect and dignity that comes when we eliminate discrimination amongst us. I congratulate SALDEF for its special leadership and acknowledge the many honorees that are here today.” Also highlighted during the event was the case of Mr. Jaswant Singh who contacted SALDEF to help resolve a case of employment discrimination with Domino’s Pizza. The statement that was delivered on Mr. Singh’s behalf read, “Soon after I started working [for Domino’s], I was told by the owner of the local franchise that I would not be allowed to wear my turban while working. I was absolutely humiliated by this request and felt that it was a violation of my religious beliefs as a Sikh American.” Thanking SALDEF for addressing this issue, Mr. Singh added, “I am now free to practice my religion openly at work, and I am grateful to SALDEF for working so quickly and diligently on this issue. To read more about Mr. Singh’s case, please click here. Additionally, SALDEF was fortunate to have Mr. Harry Kao and Mr. Paramjitinder Singh Dhillon, of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs attend and present SALDEF with a citation of commendation from Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. The citation partially reads, “The growing Sikh American community is part of this vibrant diversity, which is maintained and glorified through our freedom of association and expression and the sense of pride we all hold for our individual heritage. As Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I commend [SALDEF] for everything they have done over the years for the Commonwealth and its citizens.” At the end of the night, SALDEF Interim Managing Director Kavneet Singh specifically highlighted the hard work, dedication and passion of SALDEF’s co-founders Manjit Singh and Jaideep Singh. Kavneet addressed the audience noting that, “It would be a tragedy to not recognize the contributions that [Manjit Singh and Jaideep Singh] have had over the past 10 years as true sevaks (selfless servants).” He went on to thank Manjit Singh and recognize him as one “who has given of his life, his time, and of his whole-being, dedicated solely to the service and the betterment of the Sikh community.” SALDEF would like to thank Congressman Michael Honda, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Canadian Member of Parliament Navdeep Singh Bains, Ms. Sharee Freeman, Ratanjit Singh Sondhe, and the staff of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) for their work and support. SALDEF would also like to thank our many sponsors including Sevatec Inc, the Chardhi Kaala Sikh Community Center, Galaxy Home Furnishings, and the Sikh Education and Charitable Trust for their support, as well as Camille’s Restaurant for catering the affair, our coalition partners and of course the Sikh American community who attended from all across the country.
Issues Apology; Reiterates Religious Accommodation Policy Washington, DC, May 16, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) successfully resolved the issue of a Sikh American gentleman who was disallowed from wearing his daastar – or turban — while on the job working as a pizza delivery driver for a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Maryland. Jaswant Singh was hired in 2005 as a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver. Shortly after the start of his employment, he was asked to remove his turban and wear a Domino’s-issued baseball cap. According to the owner of Domino’s Pizza Franchise #4673 in Laurel, Maryland, the directive to Mr. Singh to remove his turban arose out of concerns that Mr. Singh’s hair could fall on the pizza while delivering pizza. Determined not be humiliated and compromise on his religious rights, Mr. Singh contacted SALDEF to address this discriminatory practice and seek recourse on his behalf. In a letter addressed to the General Counsel of Domino’s Pizza, Inc, SALDEF noted that, “We are surprised that a Domino’s manager would take the untenable position that a Domino’s-issued baseball cap, which can easily be taken on and off, would provide more “protection” against food contamination in both preparing and delivering a pizza to a customer than a turban, which cannot be easily taken on and off. It should be apparent that there can be no bona fide occupational requirement justifying Domino’s interference with Mr. Singh’s religious expression as described above.” In a letter to Mr. Singh, Domino’s Pizza General Counsel, Elisa D. Garcia stated: “I apologize for the error made by the GM of store #4673 in asking you to remove your religious turban in the work place. I am pleased that this matter was brought to our attention and that you are able to do your job in a manner that is harmonious with your religious beliefs.” Responding to SALDEF, Ms. Garcia wrote: “Our store manager has been put on notice that [Domino’s] policies accommodate religious expression and [he] is being trained in this area. Domino’s teaches, as part of its Franchise Development program, all franchises about discrimination laws, EEO matters and religious accommodations.” SALDEF thanks Mr. Singh for demonstrating courage of faith and conviction in standing up for his religious rights and not compromising his Sikh identity. SALDEF also thanks Domino’s Pizza for recognizing the Sikh religious turban and congratulates them in reiterating their commitment to religious accommodation in the workplace. If you or anyone else you know has been discriminated in the workplace or while seeking employment, please contact SALDEF immediately at 202-393-2700 or info@saldef.org.
On June 19, 2006 the Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), along with their coalition partners and Sikhs from across North America will gather on Capitol Hill to commemorate SALDEF’s decade of service and achievements as the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. Join us as we recognize national and state elected officials, youth activists, community leaders, business entrepreneurs, and political appointees who have worked diligently to support the Sikh American Community. Additionally, on June 18, 2006, SALDEF will host the first ever National Sikh Leadership and Empowerment Conference designed to educate and engage young Sikh professionals and students on proven leadership strategies. Sikhs from across the country will converge on the Nation’s Capitol to join National and International Leaders who will discuss proven advocacy strategies which are a vital means of developing the future leaders of the Sikh community. SALDEF National Leadership & Empowerment Conference DATE: June 18, 2006 WHERE: George Washington University TIME: 9:00a – 4:30p SALDEF 2006 Annual Banquet DATE: June 19, 2006 WHERE: Capitol Hill TIME: 7:00p – 9:00p For sponsorship opportunities and participating in SALDEF’s Annual Banquet or Leadership Conference, contact info@saldef.org.
Washington, DC, May 2, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is calling on the Sikh American community to contact us if you or someone you know have experienced delays while undergoing the naturalization process in the United States. According to an article in the San Bernardino County Sun, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicators are violating regulations in failing to process naturalizations within the mandated 120-day time frame. According to an internal memo cited in the article, some immigrants have waited between ten months to 4 years to go through the naturalization process. SALDEF is working with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), along with 40 immigration attorneys, who will be filing writs of mandamus on behalf of hundred of immigrants whose petitions for naturalizations have been delayed beyond the mandated 120 day period in order to highlight the immigration problem. In the past, when an immigration attorney filed a writ of mandamus for significantly delayed petitions, their clients were immediately granted naturalization. However this added step in the process significantly increases the cost, and delay, of the naturalization process. SALDEF urges Sikhs that have experienced similar delays in the naturalization process to contact SALDEF immediately either via email info@saldef.org or by phone at 202-393-2700, so that these incidents can be documented and addressed. Please provide information to the following specific questions:
- Are you represented by an immigration attorney?
- Have you filed a petition for naturalization (an N-400)? If so, on what date did you file?
- What is your current status?
- Were you granted a naturalization interview? If so, what was the date of the interview?
- Have you inquired about the status of your naturalization petition? If so, what were you told?
Through this nationwide legal campaign, we hope to call attention to this nationwide problem for immigrants seeking naturalization. PLEASE distribute this to your family, friends and at the local Gurdwara. ### END ###