Washington, DC — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issued a new set of directives today that specifically address the issue of racial profiling and turban-searches facing Sikh Americans at airports. This new guidance explicitly explains the importance of the Sikh turban and kirpan, and describes how to be sensitive and respectful during conducting search of Sikh American passengers at airport security. In its ongoing efforts to help the federal government understand Sikhism, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a national civil rights advocacy group, has been closely working with and providing comments to the Department of Transportation and FAA on these guidelines and directives. The new guidelines are aimed at stopping the current “turban removal and searches” that occur at airports, and help Sikh Americans feel comfortable to fly again. They clearly state that profiling a Sikh for wearing a turban, including extra searches beyond those done to non-turbaned people, and asking Sikhs to remove their turban, is illegal. The guideline states: “Persons or their property may not be subjected to inspection, search and/or detention solely because they appear…Sikh. Individuals MAY NOT be selected for additional screening based solely on appearance or dress. Selecting a man for screening solely because he is wearing a turban, as some Sikh men and women do, is UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION.” They also clearly explain the kirpan and allow small kirpans worn around the neck in and beyond the security area. “A kirpan is a sheathed sword…[and] is a mandatory article of faith for initiated Sikhs…almost always carried on the person. Some Sikhs wear mini-kirpans…that are not knives on necklaces. These mini-kirpans….are permitted beyond screener checkpoints.” All regular kirpans must be checked in carry-on luggage.
FAA’s New Security Regulations Address Illegal Turban Searches
Washington, D.C.– The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a national Sikh civil rights advocacy group, gave a presentation to staff members from the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the Department of Transportation on Thursday, November 15, 2001. This presentation was part of SMART’s ongoing efforts to educate the federal government about Sikh Americans and to inform these agencies about Sikhism, how the attacks of September 11, 2001 have affected the Sikh community, and solutions to address the concerns of Sikh Americans. The presentation offered a background on Sikhism, discussed common stereotypes or mis-perceptions of Sikhs and ways that federal law enforcement agencies could help to address the issues of the Sikh community while still maintaining security measures across the nation. The SMART presenter spoke at length with the attendees about the five Sikh articles of faith, giving special attention to the kirpan and turban. He also spoke on the difference between Sikhs, and other commonly associated religions and cultural groups, stressing Sikh’s separate identity from Hindus, Muslims, and especially the Taliban. The meeting was highly successful; those in attendance were highly receptive and asked many questions. SMART believes that the most effective way to prevent further incidents of harassment, especially around security issues, is to continue to educate federal agencies about the Sikh articles of faith, and the need to be sensitive when dealing with Sikh Americans. SMART will continue to offer these presentations to other federal agencies in the future. Please visit SMART’s web site at www.saldef.org for more information on SMART, and its previous presentations and trainings after September 11, 2001.
WASHINGTON, DC – Sikh Americans met on November 1, 2001 with DC Mayor Anthony Williams and DC Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi to thank them for their leadership and to discuss anti-Sikh intolerance incidents that have been occurring in the aftermath of September 11 terrorist attacks. The hour long meeting focused on Sikh concerns in the District of Columbia and the Mayor’s efforts to promote tolerance and combat discrimination against Sikh Americans. Sikh Americans were represented by local Sikh leaders, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) a Sikh civil-rights advocacy group, the Sikh American Association, and a Sikh Coalition member. The groups also expressed concern over potential discrimination in housing and employment areas against affected communities. Mayor Williams agreed to work closely with area Sikhs in the education and awareness training of all district employees, including law enforcement, public school, and public transit officials. The Mayor also expressed happiness about DC Police Chief Ramsey’s decision to open employment to Sikhs to the DC Police Department. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Mayor agreed to continue to work together with the Sikh American community, to protect its interests, and to proactively work with the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to prevent hate crimes from occurring.
Germantown, MD – The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a national Sikh American civil rights advocacy group, advises all Sikhs traveling on a commercial aircraft in the United States that the carrying of a kirpan on the individual’s person or carry-on luggage is prohibited by law. The applicable federal regulation states: ” . . . no aircraft operator may permit any person to have a deadly or dangerous weapon, on or about the individual’s person or accessible property when onboard an aircraft.” 14 C.F.R. § 108.201(e) A kirpan, regardless of the size or sharpness of the blade, will be viewed by airport security authorities as a dangerous weapon. Therefore, any person wishing to transport a kirpan in the course of their air travel should place it in their check-in luggage. Small kirpan lockets are less likely to be classified as a weapon, but the airport authorities are granted the discretion to make this determination at the time of inspection. This being the case, Amritdhari Sikhs should be prepared to check in kirpan lockets as well, if requested to do so. Contact SMART to file a report if you were prevented from wearing your 5 K’s other than a kirpan, for reasons stated above.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /U.S. Newswire/ — “We will not allow the brutal attacks of September 11 to divide our nation with hate and bigotry,” was the message delivered at a lunchtime rally at The National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in an event organized by a small grassroots group of South Asian and Asian Pacific American men and women. Following a moment of silence in respect for the victims of last week’s attack, Amber Khan addressed the rally, delivering a message of sorrow and solidarity. “We stand here together because we will not allow the perpetrators of violence to hijack our trust and faith in each other, we will not allow them to hijack our commitment to the principles and values that make our nation, a land of immigrants strong — tolerance for difference, belief in the inalienable human dignity and worth of each person, passion for creating a more justice society, and an unwavering commitment to liberty and freedom,” said Amber Khan, a Muslim activist of South Asian descent from Montgomery County, Md. More than 200 diverse community leaders, federal employees, grassroots activists, veterans and other concerned Americans stood shoulder to shoulder to call for unity in this time of great sorrow and to not allow bigotry and hate to tear the fabric of our society. The crowd, reflecting the diversity of America, included Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, African Americans, South Asians, Christian leaders and many others. Invoking the lessons of history from World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Karen Narasaki, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium and whose parents were interned, spoke passionately about the need for us to learn from history. “Standing here today, while we grieve the terrible loss of life and the awful toll on the families of the victims of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks, let us take to heart the lessons of World War II when my parents and hundreds of other Japanese American families were herded behind barbed wire simply because they happened to look like the enemy,” said Narasaki. Sharing stories of fear and the isolation experienced by the Muslim, Arab and Sikh communities, Sharifa Al-Khateeb of the North American Council for Muslim Women, James Zogby of the Arab American Institute and Tejpal Singh Chawla expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support by the larger community and urged fellow Americans to remain united and vigilant against ethnic scapegoating by speaking out against all forms of bigotry. This theme was echoed by all speakers. “In the wake of the tragedy that occurred last week, I urge you — community leaders, parents, teachers, the media and our elected officials — to send the message that as Americans, we cannot and should not afford to condone or tolerate any incidence of discrimination or bias against anyone. Such acts go against the grain of the ideals of freedom and equality on which our country thrives and threaten our civil and human rights as Americans,” said Deepa Iyer, board member of the South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow. The event concluded with the powerful image of Japanese American and Filipino American Veterans of World War II leading the rally in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. For press statements from the event see contact information above. Organizations represented at today’s event included: — American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) — American Humanist Association — American Muslim Council (AMC) — Arab American Institute (AAI) — Asian American Student Association, University of Maryland, College Park — Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum — Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies — Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) — Asian/Pacific Islander-Domestic Violence Resource Project (A/PI-DVRP) — Bharti Association of Montgomery County Maryland — Bridge 2050 — Coordinating Council of American Muslim Organizations — Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) — Democratic National Committee — Hmong National Development, Inc. (HND) — Human Rights Campaign — Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA) — Iranian Student Association, U of MD, College Park — Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) — Japanese American Veterans Association — Korean American Coalition (KAC) — Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) — NAACP — National Asian Pacific American Bar Association — National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium (NAPALC), — National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum — National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development — National Council of Asian Pacific Americans — National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) — National Japanese American Memorial Foundation — Network of South Asian Professionals — North American Council for Muslim Women (NACMW) — Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) — People For the American Way — Project IMPACT — Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) — South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT) — South Asian Bar Association (SABA) — South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) — Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) — The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) — United Jain and Hindu Temple Association of Metro Washington — White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — Young Muslim Professional Women, Inc.
Germantown, MD – The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a national Sikh American civil rights advocacy group, is collecting information on Sikh media outlets, including web sites, newspapers, magazines, local television shows and radio shows. A form is provided at the end of this message to submit information about Sikh-run media outlets. Please complete the form and email it to info@saldef.org FORM ==== Name: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web Site: Name of Publisher/Producer: Language: __ English __ Punjabi __ Both __ Other (specify) FOR PRINT MEDIA OUTLETS: Type of Publication: __ Weekly __ Monthly __ Quaterly __ Other (specify) FOR BROADCAST MEDIA OUTLETS (TV/RADIO) Air Times: TV Channel or Radio Frequency (list all): ### END ###
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ — As the nation recovers from the devastating events of Sept. 11, the country has witnessed an outpouring of goodwill from millions of people who have volunteered their time, donated their money or given their blood to help in the relief efforts. And while the nation has soared to new heights of charity, the underside of a few has resulted in hate attacks perpetrated on people thought to be of Arab descent or Muslim faith. To help in the healing, 150 religious, philanthropic, civil rights, and other nonprofit organizations declared in a statement released today their commitment to embracing diversity and redoubling efforts to address poverty and injustice. Signers of the statement, led by INDEPENDENT SECTOR, include faith-based groups such as the Islamic Society of North America, United Jewish Communities, Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, and The Interfaith Alliance; companies such as AOL Time Warner Foundation, Verizon Foundation, and DuPont; and other charitable organizations and foundations such as Goodwill Industries International, American Cancer Society, National Council of La Raza, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The statement, entitled “Upholding Our Values,” states that: — We recommit ourselves to building bonds of trust and embracing diversity in our nation and around the world. — We will redouble our efforts to address poverty, inequity and injustice. — We will be a constant voice speaking out for the fundamental values of freedom, justice, community and respect that have guided our country for more than 200 years. Upholding Our Values also pays tribute to the rescuers and millions of people who have joined together to help, while calling for the perpetrators and their supporters to be brought to justice in a carefully targeted and sustained manner. The full text of the statement and a full list of signatory organizations is available at www.IndependentSector.org. INDEPENDENT SECTOR will continue to add signatures to the statement. “One of the most tragic moments in American history has produced a sterling example of the commitment of the nonprofit community to help the needy and comfort the bereaved,” said Sara E. Melendez, president and CEO of INDEPENDENT SECTOR. “Nonprofits have been at the forefront of relief efforts as America begins the arduous task of rebuilding and will remain there to help shepherd the nation through the healing process.” In the wake of Sept. 11, the nonprofit community has rededicated itself not only to helping the nation in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, but to continuing its ongoing work to end poverty and racism, speak out for justice, provide a place for worship of all faiths, enrich lives through art and music, educate children, care for the environment, and a host of other activities. Nationwide, there are 734,000 501(c)(3) organizations and 354,000 religious congregations working to make communities across the nation and around the world better places to live. INDEPENDENT SECTOR’s Web site at www.IndependentSector.org includes dozens of examples of the variety of ways nonprofit organizations, foundations and companies are mobilizing volunteers and providing services to give immediate and long-term help, from tips for helping children cope to emergency shelter, from scholarship funds to resources on promoting tolerance. “Through this event, we have witnessed the strength and unity of our country and learned that each one of us is connected to each other. It is the hope of NCLR that the legacy of September 11 strengthens the ties of tolerance and freedom that bind us as Americans,” said Raul Yzaguirre, president, National Council of La Raza. The outpouring of individual and corporate gifts in the days since Sept. 11 has reached more than $675 million, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. “In these dark hours we can be proud of the generosity of all Americans who now join together to help where they can,” said Stephen Hoffman, CEO, United Jewish Communities. “We stand committed to repair and renewal in the months and years ahead.” Nonprofit leaders are also calling on the nation to remember the great needs in every community. “While it’s a new world in many ways, it is still the same world in many ways, with the same day-to-day needs of individuals, children, families and communities,” said Peter B. Goldberg, president and CEO, Alliance for Children and Families, and chairperson, INDEPENDENT SECTOR. “I hope the great spirit of giving, volunteering and compassion will continue, as the needs continue, months and years ahead. We’re a truly caring nation. May that caring know no end.” The impact of Sept. 11 will be a major focus of the nonprofit community when it gathers at INDEPENDENT SECTOR’s Annual Conference, Nov. 4 – 6 in Atlanta. — A full press kit is available at www.IndependentSector.org, including the full statement, a list of signatory organizations, quotes from many nonprofit leaders, and examples of what nonprofits are doing to help. INDEPENDENT SECTOR is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 700 national non-profit organizations, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups every state across the nation. Its mission is to promote, strengthen, and advance the nonprofit and philanthropic community to foster private initiative for the public good. US Newswire
Germantown, MD – The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, a national Sikh American civil rights advocacy group, urges all New Jersey Sikhs to attend town hall meetings regarding terrorist attacks organized by Senator Robert G. Torricelli and Senator Jon S. Corzine. The meetings are scheduled for Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 to help New Jersey residents begin the healing process and look to the future in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks. They will be contributing to the discussions and answering questions about recent events in Washington, D.C. The meetings will be held at the following locations and times: Saturday, September 22 10:00 am West Orange High School 51 Conforti Avenue West Orange 2:00 pm Monmouth Regional High School One Norman J. Field Way Tinton Falls Sunday, September 23 12:00 pm Hackensack High School First and Beech Streets Hackensack 2:00 pm Memorial Service, (same location as above)
Germantown, MD – The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), A national Sikh American civil rights advocacy group calls on all Sikh Americans to participate in a national letter writing and telephone campaign protesting Louisiana Representative John Cooksey’s comments insulting Americans who wear turbans and promoting racial profiling. “If I see someone (who) comes in that’s got a diaper on his head and a fan belt wrapped around the diaper on his head, that guy needs to be pulled over,” said Congressman Cooksey, a Republican member from Louisiana who sits on the International Relations Subcommittee for the Middle East and South Asia. After his comments another Sikh man died and a young Sikh boy was shot at while driving in Maryland. Although the Congressman has made an apology saying he was targeting Osama Bin Laden, he has not apologized to the 500,000 Sikh Americans in the United States and continues to support racial profiling. “We are very disappointed by the congressman’s unpatriotic behavior. In a time like this, when the president has indicated that all Americans should stand together, we find it very sad that he is trying to divide us,” said SMART’s Executive Director, Manjit Singh. “Such remarks only further the goals of the terrorists, which is to weaken this diverse country of ours. We wish he would get in line with his own administration and President’s thinking on this issue. We sincerely hope that he will be disciplined by his party.” SMART urges all Sikh Americans to act by calling Congressman Cooksey’s office at 202-225-8490 (use talking points provided below), fax (202-225)-5639, e-mail (http://www.house.gov/cooksey) or send a letter (a sample letter is provided below) to 113 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. — END — TALKING POINTS 1. As a Sikh American, I am outraged by Congressman Cooksey’s remarks. 2. In a country where our leaders have asked us to stand united as a nation and have strongly condemned violent hate crimes, why is the Congressman not acting with the President, Attorney General and other civic leaders across the nation. 3. Isn’t the Congressman afraid that his comments are fanning the flames of hatred around this nation, encouraging people to commit illegal acts, and distracting the FBI from pursuing terrorists? 4. I would encourage the Congressman to issue a public apology to Sikh Americans who wear turbans for religious reasons, which he referred to in his remarks as a “diaper”. —– SAMPLE LETTER Dear Representative Cooksey: I am writing to you as an outraged member of the Sikh American community. Your remarks on Monday September 17 in a radio address, calling our turbans which are a mandated religious article of faith, a “diaper”, risks inciting more violence in America against our community, just as leaders in your own party have spoken out against violence and hate crimes targeted towards Sikh, Muslim and Arab Americans. President Bush, Attorney General Ashcroft, Mayors, Governors and Members of Congress across the nation have denounced racism that has caused violent attacks against minority communities in this country. As Americans we are deeply offended not only by your insensitive comments, but also by your rebel stance, diving our nation in turmoil. Our national leaders, have also spoken out against racial profiling, a principle you have promoted in radio addresses and presentation lately. We would like to ask you if you supported profiling all Americans who looked like Timothy McVeigh after the tragic attack in Oklahoma City. If not, why not? Do you think we should lose our civil rights because the color of our skin? Through your recent statements, you have further strengthened and empowered an ignorant portion of our country that confuses Sikh Americans with terrorists like Osama Bin Laden. Sikhs do not culturally, religiously, or politically affiliate themselves with Osama Bin Laden or any other terrorist regimes. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with over 22 million followers. There are approximately 500,000 Sikh in the United States today. We have been serving our country for over 100 years and have been trying to help with the relief efforts taking place across the nation. As Americans we will not tolerate your remarks and would like to encourage you to issue a public apology for your ignorant statements and stand united with your own party leaders. We will also be willing to educate you and your staff further about Sikhism through educational materials available through the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a Washington, DC based national Sikh civil rights advocacy group. Information is available online at www.sikhmediawatch.org, or you may contact SMART via e-mail at info@sikhmediawatch.org or call its toll-free number 877-91-SIKHS (877-917-4547). Thank you for your time and cooperation. We look forward to hearing your formal apology. Sincerely, Concerned Sikh American
Washington, D.C.– The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) and the Sikh American community would like to join their fellow Americans in condemning the horrific acts that took place on the morning of September 11, 2001. We are saddened by the tremendous loss of life from these actions, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims. We pray that the United States Government is able to swiftly bring those responsible for these atrocities to justice. SMART encourages the Sikh American community to use particular caution for the next few weeks, as the enormity of this catastrophe continues to sink in. Because of yesterday’s terrorist attacks, blind anti-Muslim sentiment is running high throughout the nation. Since many Americans commonly mistake Sikhs for followers of Islam, or associated with Osama Bin Laden, there is a heightened potential for violent attacks directed against members of the Sikh community. SMART also denounces the recent threats and attacks against the Muslim American community. Such racist stereotyping reminds us of one of the ugliest chapters in our nation’s history, when Japanese American citizens of our nation were herded into internment camps on American soil. We pray that all Americans display the compassion and good judgment to avoid repeating this folly. America is based on the principle of individual, not collective, responsibility for actions committed. All law-abiding citizens should be considered equal, regardless of race, religion, and other such distinction. Just as there was no rush to attack conservative Caucasian citizens after the Oklahoma city bombing, there should be no backlash against Muslim-Americans. SMART encourages all Sikh Americans to do what they can in the effort to repair the damage caused by the events of Tuesday morning. In particular, we recommend giving blood at your local donation facility. All Sikh Americans extend their prayers and solidarity to those who have been affected by this devastating act of terrorism, and hope that the diverse members of our nation can come together as one in this time of national crisis.