Sangat members are encouraged to contact their Representatives and Senators. Washington D.C. – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) urge national leaders to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act of 1964. Key provisions of the VRA, a historical piece of civil rights legislation, are set to expire on August 6, 2007 Despite the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, southern voter registration boards used poll taxes, literacy tests, and other bureaucratic impediments to deny minorities their legal voting rights. President Lyndon B. Johnson made civil rights one of his administration’s top priorities, using his skill to pass the Twenty-Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed poll taxes, in 1964. By the late 1960’s the effects of the Voting Rights Act could be seen; 60% of eligible African Americans registered to vote in Mississippi, and other states showed similar improvement. Some of the provisions being threatened include; Section 203 of the VRA requires that certain states and local jurisdictions provide language assistance in languages other than English to voters who are not literate or fluent in English. Also Section 5, which requires certain states and local governments to “preclear” proposed changes in voting or election procedures with the U.S. Department of Justice or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Voting is a hallmark of a true democracy and we must not let this legislation fall through the cracks. The VRA implemented the safeguards necessary for all minorities and low-income individuals to possess the right to have their vote count as equally as their wealthy counterparts. This is the true nature of America, and we must protect it. SALDEF urges members of the Sikh American community to contact their representatives in the United States Congress to support this vital piece of legislation. To find your U.S. Representatives Click here. To find your U.S. Senator Click Here.
SALDEF Supports Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act
Position Title: Internships—Undergraduate/Graduate Background: Founded as the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) in 1996, SALDEF is a national non-profit civil rights and educational organization. We empower Sikh Americans through four program areas: legal assistance, educational outreach, legislative advocacy and media relations. Summary: SALDEF is seeking interns to assist in all program areas. Duties and responsibilities will include:
- Conducting research and assisting with outreach to the Sikh American community and the general population.
- Working with members of SALDEF Office of Legal Affairs to research and aid in cases and complaints ranging from employment discrimination, racial profiling and religious freedoms protection.
- Attending meetings with elected and appointed government officials in Washington, DC.
- Assisting SALDEF staff with community education and awareness efforts.
- Working directly with community members and local representatives to coordinate grass-roots empowerment efforts.
- Former interns include students from California State University, Fresno; George Mason University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Virginia; Virginia Commonwealth University; and Yale University.
Benefits: Mentorship from civil rights leaders/attorneys. Opportunity to attend events with congressional/coalition partners. College credit can also be for internship has also been arranged in the past for students that are interested in such. Qualifications: 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; reliable and consistent internet access; attention to detail a must. Education: Preferred College Juniors, Seniors; Graduate and Professional Students. Location: Washington, DC (preferred but not required). Remote access work is possible. Time: Spring/Summer Semester, Interns are expected to work 10-15 hours per week. Schedules are flexible according to each candidate’s personal commitments. Stipend: TBA; Arrangements may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Deadline: Rolling process until internship spots are filled To Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, 3-5-page writing sample, and any other supporting materials to: SALDEF info@saldef.org 1413 K. ST, N.W; 5th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Faxes accepted at (202) 318-4433
Newly Designed Spanish Version Also Available Washington D.C. – As 2006 begins, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) has again begun distributing their popular Sikh American pocket calendars.. The glossy, full-color 2006 calendars are ideal for introducing non-Sikhs to Sikh Americans: on one side these full-color calendars include images of Sikhs, along with core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States; the other side has a 2006 calendar and includes SALDEF’s phone number and web site for further information and reference. Additionally, recognizing the large Spanish-speaking population in the United States, this years calendars have been printed in Spanish as well to further educate this untapped population. Personalized versions of the pocket calendar are also available for order. In place of the SALDEF logo and information above the calendar side, SALDEF is making available to businesses or individuals the opportunity to add their name or business to the cards. These calendars are perfectly sized and ideal to be distributed by community members at their workplace, community meetings, senior citizen centers, convenience stores, gas stations, and through cab drivers. SALDEF is currently distributing the cards in quantities of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling. Personalized pocket calendars may incur an additional charge and have an order minimum. To order these calendars, please email us at:pubs@saldef.org or by calling 202-393-2700
Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the management of the Guru Nanak Foundation of American (GNFA) have invited several government officials to participate at a community forum this Saturday, January 28, 2006. The Sikh American community is 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: Eric Treene — Special Counsel, Department of Justice Office for Civil Rights Bruce Friedman — Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Shaarik Zafar – Counsel for Post 9/11 National Origin Discrimination, Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel These forums provide a unique opportunity for Sikh community member to learn about their rights, and 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 Mid-Atlantic area to attend. We thank the management and community members of the Guru Nanak Foundation of America for supporting and co-sponsoring this event. DATE: 1/28/2006 BEGINNING TIME: 4:30 PM END TIME: 6:00 PM LOCATION: Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA) 12917 Old Columbia Pike Silver Springs, Maryland 20904
Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) alarmed by the current campaign associating the wearing of a turban and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) with terrorism. SALDEF, ADC and over 100 national and local organizations (see full list below) are strongly opposed to a recent flyer campaign launched by the Nutritional Health Alliance (NHA) depicting Senator Durbin wearing a turban with the words, “Keep Congressional Terrorism at Bay.” “ While we are aware of legitimate political differences in the debate on supplement regulation, the flyer produced by the NHA transgresses the boundaries of both legitimate and civil political discourse. The flyer serves as nothing more than hatemongering and uses stereotypes to support its point of view. We are disappointed that NHA would be engaged in the production of such a racist flyer that serves to perpetuate an increased environment of prejudice and hate against the Sikh, Muslim and Arab American communities . The flyer, which can be viewed here, makes an explicitly false correlation between individuals who wear turbans and terrorism or terrorist activities. It also attacks Senator Durbin and associates him with terrorism. The turban is a mandatory article of faith for the Sikh community. Adherents of the Sikh faith are required by their religion to keep uncut hair and cover their head with a turban. Additionally, many Muslims and Arabs wear turbans for cultural reasons. The turban is a sign of respect, dignity and humility and should not be associated with terrorism or terrorist activity. SALDEF, ADC and the other cosponsors urge the NHA to remove the flyer from any further distribution immediately. We further ask that a public apology be made and posted on the NHA’s website. Legitimate public debate must not be tainted with images that continue to create a dangerous environment of xenophobia and hate against innocent Sikh, Muslim, Arab and South Asian Americans. Click here to read the letter to the Nutritional Health Alliance Click here to read the letter to Senator Durbin
SALDEF Contacts Law Enforcement Officials Demanding Swift and Thorough Action Washington, DC – On December 22, 2005, the members of Guru Angad Darbar Gurdwara (place of congregational worship), located in Bakersfield, CA, awoke to find two pig heads thrown in front of the Gurdwara. Additionally, a week and a half prior to this incident, eggs were thrown at the Gurdwara building as well. These unfortunate incidents are not an uncommon experience for Sikhs across the country. Three days later on Christmas morning, a Sikh American cab driver, Gurpartap Singh of El Sobrante, was fatally shot as he dropped off his fare in Richmond, CA. The tragic shooting of this innocent Sikh is unfortunately not the first incident of its kind in the East Bay. On July 2, 2003 a 23 year old gentleman, Gurpreet Singh, was also murdered as he drove his taxicab. Additionally, on July 5, 2003 another Sikh man, Inderjit Singh was shot at point blank range while picking up a fare in a similar location to the shooting of Gupreet Singh just three days earlier. Following those incidents in 2003, The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), worked with local law enforcement and civic officials to address the concerns of the Sikh community and the cab drivers. On December 30, 2005, SALDEF spoke with Bakersfield Police Chief Bill Rector about the case and received a progress update on the investigation. The Bakersfield PD has taken this case very seriously, and besides having some strong leads in the case, they also are ensuring that they investigate thoroughly to determine a motive. Additionally, SALDEF has contacted the Police Chief, Mayor and City Attorney of Richmond to express our outrage at the incident and to insure that a full investigation is conducted to ensure what if motive of the crime was indeed bias related. These incidents, along with many other violent crimes against Sikhs in the Bay Area, have caused significant distress and increased a sense of concern among the Sikh community in regards to the safety of themselves and their families. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, Sikh Americans have a tremendous increase in hate crimes. FBI statistics show that the number of post-9/11 hate crimes increased three fold from 2001 to 2004. Sikh American Cab drivers and convenience store clerks are particularly vulnerable due to their heightened exposure and high-risk employment. SALDEF offers our condolences to the family of Gurpartap Singh and ask that the entire Sikh American community keep them in your prayers, especially during the holiday season. Additionally, a trust is being set up for Sukhvinder Kaur – Gurpratap Singhs’ widow. While specifics are not yet available, anyone interested in donating to this fund should contact SALDEF at: info@saldef.org to do so. If you or anyone you know becomes the victim of a hate incident, please report it immediately to SALDEF at: info@saldef.org or by reporting it on our website. SALDEF has strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies across the nation and will ensure that the appropriate agency is notified of the incident. You can also contact SALDEF at 202-393-2700. To help the community better respond to an incident, SALDEF has developed the Know What To Do Guide; a handy pocket guide that details the steps that should be taken in the event of a hate crime, discrimination in the workplace, or racial profiling, and states your rights as an airline passenger. Please print and distribute the pocket guide at your local Gurdwara, as well as to your local community, family and friends. To order the pocket guides from SALDEF, please send an email to: education@saldef.org.
At its 25 Year Anniversary Celebrations, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), recognized SALDEF at its Annual Conference event held in Washington, DC with its Excellence in Civic Advocacy Award. ADC presents this award to a civil rights organization that has done exemplary and consistent work for their community. SALDEF is the first Sikh American organization to ever be honored by such a prominent national civil rights and advocacy organization. The award was presented to SALDEF at a gathering of over 600 guests. R. Alexander Acosta, former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and recently appointed as U.S. Attorney for Miami, Florida was also honored for his continued dedication to civil rights. Daniel Sutherland, Director – Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, US Department of Homeland Security was the keynote speaker at the event.
Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) participated in the National Day of Prayer at the White House today. The event, hosted by President George W. Bush, was attended by SALDEF Vice Chair Manjit Singh and religious leaders of many different faiths from across the U.S. “It was an honor to be invited to this annual event hosted by the President. The presence of a Sikh American illustrates a commitment to religious diversity,” stated Singh. “By attending such events, we hope government officials at the highest level are gaining a better understanding of Sikh Americans and the contributions our community has been making to this nation for over a century.” The National Day of Prayer is an annual event established in 1952 by an Act of the United States Congress. Every president in the last fifty years has hosted the event with religious leaders.
Washington, DC — On Saturday, April 16, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) presented the inaugural Dalip Singh Saund Excellence in Public Service Award to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice, R. Alexander Acosta. The award was presented at a SALDEF-sponsored concert at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC with the critically-acclaimed Dya Singh World Music Group from Australia. The concert and the award presentation were attended by over 100 Sikh and non-Sikh community members. “We are very pleased with the support that the community has provided SALDEF for almost ten years and wanted to celebrate with an evening of music and reflection,” said SALDEF Chair Gagandeep Kaur. “We are also proud to honor Mr. Acosta with this inaugural public service award because his staff has done tremendous outreach to the Sikh American community and responded so well to our concerns.” In his acceptance comments Mr. Acosta said: “SALDEF and the Civil Rights Division have worked together many times in the past several years. I am humbled and honored by your presentation tonight.” With Mr. Acosta’s support and SALDEF’s initiative, the DOJ was able to produce an excellent and much-needed poster titled Common Sikh American Head Coverings to present accurate information to government officials. Mr. Acosta also commended SALDEF’s Board, staff and volunteers for “everything that you do for the Sikh community through the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund.” Furthermore, with SALDEF’s assistance Mr. Acosta and his staff have visited with the Sikh American community and attended Gurdwara events all over the country over the last eight months. In fact, on Sunday, April 17, Shaarik Zafar, a prosecutor focusing on post-9/11 issues under Mr. Acosta, was hosted by SALDEF at the Richmond Hill Gurdwara in New York City. For his efforts, Mr. Acosta was recognized with this award bearing Congressman Dalip Singh Saund’s name. Mr. Saund was born in Punjab in 1899, and became the first Asian American elected to the United States Congress in 1956. The award for public service was named for Congressman Saund because despite his extensive education (he earned a Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley in 1924) his first job was as a foreman on a cotton-picking ranch, due to prejudice and discrimination against Sikh Americans and other immigrants. By channeling his frustrations into a lifelong commitment to public service, Mr. Saund was able to conquer the obstacles that lay before him. On December 16, 1949, Mr. Saund became a naturalized citizen of the United States. In 1952, he ran and won the position of judge. After serving in that capacity for four years, Mr. Saund was elected to the House of Representatives from the 29th congressional district of California. During his three consecutive terms as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, he supported agricultural interests in his own congressional district, as well as the rights of Native Americans and Mexican immigrants. Mr. Saund also fought for legislation to provide equal rights for all men and women. Additionally, Dya Singh and his group have also engaged in pioneering efforts by developing a unique form of “world music” that has been recognized for its innovation. He has twice been awarded “Instrumentalist of the Year” by the South Australian Music Industry Awards. In the year 2000, Dya Singh was awarded “Male Artist of the Year” by the Australian World Music Organization. Dya Singh has also been very supportive of SALDEF’s work on behalf of the Sikh American community and has thanked us repeatedly for training airport officials and screeners about Sikhs and Sikhism.
Washington, DC – Attorney General Alberto Gonzales met with SALDEF National Director Preetmohan Singh and other national civil rights leaders on April 13 to discuss further strengthening the relationship with government agencies and leading national organizations. Mr. Gonzales, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last month, recognized SALDEF and others’ educational outreach and government relations efforts and expressed an interest in continued collaboration. “We are glad Attorney General Gonzales took the time to meet with us so shortly after he was confirmed,” said Mr. Singh. “We see this as a continuation of the many collaborative efforts we have engaged in with top government officials to ensure that all Americans are treated respectfully and fairly when they interact with federal agencies.” The meeting’s discussion included updates by and for SALDEF on law enforcement training, travel guidelines, and pending investigations. The meeting was facilitated by R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, whose office has coordinated regular federal interagency meetings to address government actions and services. Federal agencies represented at the meeting included component agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), State Department, and others. SALDEF met with former Attorney General John Ashcroft in June 2004 to discuss similar issues.