Mental Wellness Check-In With Fremont Sangat

Join SALDEF and the Fremont Gurdwara Sangat on Saturday, March 30th for a free mental wellness check-in at 4PM PST at the Fremont Gurdwara Sahib. 

The session will be led by experts in the field and members of the community: Jagmeet Sangha, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Dr. Preet Kaur Sabharwal, co-author of “Counseling and Psychotherapy for South Asian Americans: Identify, Psychology, and Clinical Implications”

Practicing mental wellness and well-being can be challenging, particularly while navigating the stigmas that surround these topics of conversation in our communities and trying to find experts and resources that understand cultural differences. SALDEF recognizes this gap, and is committed to opening up these avenues of dialogue in the hopes of creating a happier, healthier sangat by providing resources to community members and connecting them with experts who understand cultural context. 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

February 20, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700

 

SALDEF Releases Groundbreaking Report on Transnational Repression and Minority Censorship

WASHINGTON D.C. — This World Social Justice Day, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) unveiled a pioneering  report titled, Virtually Vulnerable: Exposing the Human Cost of Digital Harassment. This in-depth study examines the escalating problem of online harassment and censorship, specifically targeting the Sikh diaspora and allied communities like secular Hindus, Indian Muslims, and Dalits.

The report traces the evolution of digital censorship against all non-Hindu supremacist advocates and leaders in the 2020s, offering a detailed analysis of the sophisticated methods used to silence minority voices online. It highlights the troubling practices of Big Tech, specifically social media firms in censoring content under the guise of preserving national integrity, often resulting in the shadow banning and deletion of community-based social media accounts.

Key sections of the report include:

  • Online Harassment and the BJP IT Cell: Analyzing the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party in controlling online narratives.
  • Censorship of the Sikh Diaspora: Documenting the trends in misinformation and suppression of Sikh voices on significant dates and events–by SALDEF .
  • Silencing Dissent: Examining the strategic misinformation campaign against various minority groups, including Indian Muslim and progressive Hindu communities–by the Indian-American Muslim Council (IAMC) and Hindus for Human Rights (HHR).
  • Big Tech’s Failure to Protect Caste Equity: Discussing the manipulation of technology by nationalist groups and the implications for caste equity–by Equality Labs.

In addition to detailing these critical issues, SALDEF and our co-authors of “Virtually Vulnerable” present a series of policy recommendations aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration between tech companies and democracy-oriented nonprofits. These recommendations are geared towards mitigating international censorship and supporting the rights of free speech for diasporic communities.

“This report goes beyond simply highlighting the challenges faced by the Sikh diaspora; it serves as a clear call to action,” said Kavneet Singh, SALDEF Acting Executive Director. “We must urgently address the lack of transparency and accountability in the digital realm to safeguard the fundamental human and civil rights of all communities.”

“As the US government grows increasingly concerned about India’s escalating transnational repression, it is important to understand that this issue has roots in India’s ongoing abuse of online platforms against religious minorities and dissenters,” said Safa Ahmed, Associate Director of Media and Communications for IAMC. “This report offers critical recommendations to the US government on how to better protect Indian Americans from being targeted by the Modi regime online.”

“’Virtually Vulnerable’ sheds crucial light on the insidious ways digital harassment is employed against minority voices, including those in the Hindu community who stand for secular and democratic values. This report not only exposes these harmful practices but also provides vital policy recommendations. It’s essential that we come together to ensure that digital platforms are spaces of free expression and not tools of oppression.” said Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, HHR.

“We are currently witnessing the digitization of caste apartheid, violent disinformation campaigns, and an era of surveillance capitalism exacerbated by right-wing authoritarianism. Caste-oppressed people have a right to advocate for their communities without the fear of being attacked and targeted by foreign state actors. This report is a critical look into the correlations between Big Tech, civil rights advocacy, and repression of dissent, and anyone concerned with free and ethical digital spaces should pay attention to it,” said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of Equality Labs, the nation’s leading Dalit civil rights organization.

The report is available for download on the SALDEF website, as well as those of our partners, and is a must-read for policymakers, human rights activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, human rights, and minority representation.

For more information or to request an interview with the authors of the report, please contact Amrita Kular, Communications Director.

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights and community impact organization.

www.saldef.org

Read and Download the Report

SALDEF Drives Bill Momentum with Four New Congressional Co-Sponsors to the Transnational Repression Policy Act

 

In the wake of recent transnational repression incidents targeting a Sikh American citizen in New York City, SALDEF has been heavily engaging with our Congressional and federal government allies to educate our nation’s leaders.

Amidst rising concerns about transnational repression, SALDEF has secured four new co-sponsors for the Transnational Repression Policy Act this January: Representative Goldman (NY-10), Representative Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Representative Jayapal (WA-7), Representative Lee (CA-12). This critical bill, championed by SALDEF, offers targeted resources, protections, and government accountability to safeguard vulnerable communities.

By presenting compelling evidence and nuanced analyses of these transnational repression incidents, SALDEF is ensuring that Congress understands the immediate concerns of the Sikh community and also the broader implications for American democracy.

Here are some ways you can join the fight:

  • Contact the Biden Administration: Urge them to prioritize addressing transnational repression and its impact on Sikh Americans and all American communities.
  • Follow and share SALDEF’s social media content: Stay informed and amplify SALDEF’s message to raise awareness.
  • Donate to SALDEF: Your support fuels our critical work in protecting the rights and safety of Sikh Americans.

Sikh Americans have faced specific instances of transnational repression, including threats, harassment, and even attempted violence.  SALDEF works to expose these threats, advocate for justice, and ensure the safety and security of the Sikh American community. By advocating for policies and legislation that counter transnational repression, SALDEF seeks to create a safe environment for Sikh Americans to live and thrive.

The fight against transnational repression is ongoing, but SALDEF’s unwavering commitment is making a difference. By shining a light on this injustice and urging swift action, SALDEF is ensuring that Sikh Americans can live and thrive in America without fear, free from the shadows of foreign intimidation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2024

Contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 | media@saldef.org

 

SALDEF Welcomes FBI’s Release of Punjabi PSA on Transnational Repression

Building on SALDEF advocacy, the release is an acknowledgement of community concerns

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) welcomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for releasing a public service announcement (PSA) in Punjabi, addressing transnational repression.

“By releasing this announcement in Punjabi, the FBI is validating the ongoing and very real threat of transnational repression against Sikhs in America, ” said SALDEF Acting Executive Director, Kavneet Singh. “This release builds on months of discussions with the Administration on how to effectively ensure the safety of the community in light of deep concerns shared with us by the sangat and other minority communities. Issuing it in Punjabi means that this information will reach the most members of our community as possible. This public service announcement underscores how seriously the government is taking our concerns around the safety, security, and sovereignty of America and its residents.”

The PSA highlights various forms of transnational repression such as surveillance, stalking, harassment, and cyberattacks. It underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting individuals in the United States from foreign threats and ensures that reports of repression are taken seriously, without the fear of information being shared with foreign governments. 

This critical development is a direct result of SALDEF’s continuous advocacy and engagement with the FBI, Congress, and the Administration to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh American community.

With detailed research reports in the past and a forthcoming report on transnational repression, SALDEF continues to lead the charge engaging with national leaders regarding the safety and advancement of Sikh American civil rights. 

SALDEF urges community members and the press to listen to and share the PSA, and to report any instances of transnational repression. The PSA is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to combat intimidation and threats from foreign entities.

—

Please see the PSA’s transcription below, and you can listen to the full audio here.

“FBI ਤੋਂ ਮੈਂ ਹਾਂ ਸੁਖਵੀਰ ਕੌਰ ਤੇ ਹੁਣ ਸੁਣੋ FBI ਵਲੋਂ ਜਰੂਰੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ

I am Sukhvir Kaur from the FBI. Listen to this important message from the FBI.

ਸਾਡੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਬਾਹਰਲੇ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ।

In our country, America, foreign governments are currently committing transnational repression. To stop this, the FBI needs your help.

ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਮੁਖਬਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੁਝ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਇਹ ਨੇ:

These are the types of TNR Foreign governments; their operatives or informants are conducting against any person living in America:

ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਰੱਖਣੀ, ਪਿੱਛਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਤੰਗ ਪਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ,  ਅਗਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਤੇ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ, ਅਤੇ ਧਮਕੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਡਰਾਵੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜ਼ਬਰਦਸਤੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ(ਆਂ) ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਇਕੱਠੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨੀ।

Surveillance, stalking, harassing, attempting to kidnap or attacking someone physically. and coercively trying to gather intelligence about a community or individual(s) through threats and intimidation.

ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੜਨ ਲਈ ਮਜਬੂਰ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਮੂਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਉਸਦੇ ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇਦਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਡਰਾਉਣਾ ਜਾਂ ਹਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿਚ ਲੈਣਾ।

Forcing someone to return to their country of origin or intimidating or taking relatives into custody that live in the person’s country of origin

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇ ਕੰਪਿਊਟਰ ਜਾਂ ਫੋਨ ਨੂੰ ਹੈਕ ਕਰਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਨਿੱਜਤਾ ‘ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਂ ਉਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਇੰਟਰਨੈਟ ‘ਤੇ ਕੂੜ

ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਕਰਨਾ।

Hacking into someone’s computer or phone and attacking their privacy OR conducting disinformation campaigns against someone

ਕਿਸੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜ਼ਬਤ ਕਰਨਾ।

Forfeiting someone’s financial assets

ਜੇ ਤੁਹਨੂੰ ਲਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਰ ਹੋ ਤਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ  ਨੂੰ ਹੁਣੇ 1-800 CALL FBI ਜਾਂ 1 800 225 5324 ਤੇ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ ਤੇ ਜੇ ਤੁਹਡੇ ਲਈ ਅੰਗਰੇਜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਿਲ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਗਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਹਿ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।

If you believe you are a target of TNR, call the FBI now at 1-800 CALL FBI। 1 800 225 5324 or if you have difficulty speaking in English ask to speak to someone in Punjabi

ਜਾਂ ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦੀ ਵੈਬਸਾਈਟ tips.fbi.gov ‘ਤੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਾਓ।

Or visit tips.fbi.gov to submit your complaint.

ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਦੇਖੋ, fbi.gov/TNR

For more information, check, fbi.gov/TNR

ਜੇਕਰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਸਰੀਰਕ ਖਤਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ 911 ‘ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ।

If you are in immediate physical danger call 911

ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। ਐਫ਼ ਬੀ ਆਈ ਦਾ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਯੂਨਾਈਟਡ ਸਟੇਟਸ ਦੇ ਸੰਵਿਧਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਕਾਇਮ ਰੱਖਣਾ ਹੈ।

Your report will never be shared with any foreign government by the FBI. The mission of the FBI is to protect people living in the United States and uphold the Constitution of the United States.”

About SALDEF:

SALDEF is the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights group based in Washington, D.C. focused on advocating for civil rights, investing in Sikh youth, and building capacity in the Sikh American community.

Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans.

We are grounded in our values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata), and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla). We envision a United States where Sikh Americans are recognized as a vibrant and integral part of the fabric of this nation and are respected for our shared values of service, social justice, and an unshakeable belief in freedom and equality for all.

You can learn more at www.saldef.org

 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Amrita Kular, SALDEF Director of Communications

(202) 393-2700 

media@saldef.org

SALDEF Submits Letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Transnational Repression

Along with other leading civil rights organizations, SALDEF submitted a statement urging the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to engage the Biden Administration on meaningfully confronting the Indian Government on the issue of transnational repression.

Letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Transnational Repression HearingDownload

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 29, 2023

Contact:  Amrita Kaur, Director of Communications media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700

SALDEF Expresses Grave Concern over Indictment Alleging Indian Government Employee Directed Plot to Assassinate Sikh American

Washington, D.C. – Today, SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), a leading advocacy group for the rights of Sikh Americans expressed grave concern over reports that an Indian government employee directed a plot from India to assassinate a Sikh American individual.

“We are deeply disturbed by these reports and the potential threat they pose to the safety of our community. Since 2020, SALDEF has been tracking instances of censorship of diasporic Sikh voices and today’s indictment is not an isolated incident but a part of a broader pattern of silencing Sikh voices,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “If these allegations are true, it would represent a serious violation of international law and be a blatant example of transnational repression.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire for his alleged role in the plot to kill the Sikh American individual. Gupta is accused of working with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin to carry out the killing.

On November 22, 2023, following reports of this alleged incident, SALDEF called on the DOJ to increase transparency into the investigation and unseal the indictments in this case. We demand unequivocal cooperation from the Indian government in the DOJ’s investigation and urge the U.S. government to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be responsible.

###

About SALDEF 

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is a leading national Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. Learn more at www.saldef.org

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2023

SALDEF Urges DOJ to Unseal Indictment on the Recent Attempted Attack on a Sikh American

Washington, D.C. – There have been recent reports of U.S. authorities disclosing an alleged attempted attack by the Indian Government on a Sikh American on American soil. If true, the alleged involvement of the Indian Government in threatening the safety of the Sikh diaspora would fall into a recurring pattern of transnational repression, including allegations of threats against Sikhs in the United States documented by the FBI earlier this year. 

As a leading Sikh American advocacy organization, we strongly believe in upholding American values including freedom of speech and the civil rights and liberties of all Sikh Americans.  In America, peaceful freedom of speech and the right to live a life of dignity are pillars of our democracy. The plan to attack a Sikh American on American soil would be yet another example of the Indian Government’s encroachment on the rights of the Sikh Diaspora. SALDEF continues to follow up with the FBI, White House, DHS, Congress, and DOJ as we closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all Sikh Americans is prioritized. 

“We are encouraged that the United States government is escalating this diplomatically. Sikh Americans demand full transparency regarding the safety of our community,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “We urge the Department of Justice to unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators related to this most recent incident.”

SALDEF calls on the Department of Justice and the United States government to:

  • Unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators. The Sikh American community deserves full transparency regarding the safety of our lives. 
  • Urge the Indian government to cease its alleged persecution of Sikhs and minorities in America. 
  • Work with the Canadian government to hold the perpetrators of Nijjar’s murder accountable. 
  • Reassure the Sikh American and other Indian minority communities that their civil rights of peaceful free speech and safety will be protected. 

SALDEF is available for comment at kiran@saldef.org

Washington, DC – November 14, 2023 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization, is pleased to announce new additions to the board of directors. The new directors are a diverse group of leaders from across the country, each with a deep commitment to SALDEF’s mission of empowering the Sikh American community.

The new board members are:

  • Prabhdeep Singh, NY | Partner at Armory Square Ventures
  • Bhagdeep Dhaliwal, CA | Entrepreneur and Business Owner
  • Gurjit Chima, MD | Assistant County Manager, Office of Human Rights, EEO & ADA
  • Arveen Kohli, TX | Founder, President and CEO of 11th Dimension Services
  • Jasjit Singh Ahluwalia, NJ | Physician and Public Health Scientist at Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School
  • Rajvir Singh Goomer, NJ | Partner at Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas

 

 

“On behalf of the entire organization, I am thrilled to introduce and extend a warm welcome to our new board members. This group comprises exceptionally talented and devoted individuals who are dedicated to guiding our organization with humility nimrata (humilty) and seva (selfless service) at the core of their actions,” stated SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh. “The Sikh American community boasts remarkable leaders and dedicated sevadars throughout the country. We consider ourselves fortunate to welcome these six new directors to our board as we continue to work towards shaping a brighter future for our sangat and SALDEF, firmly rooted in the principles of service and the pursuit of justice for all.”

The new board members will play a critical role in SALDEF’s work to advocate for the rights of Sikh Americans, educate the public about Sikhism, and combat anti-Sikh hate.

They will also help to oversee the organization’s strategic planning and ensure that SALDEF continues to be a leading voice for the Sikh American community, joining the existing board members.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “Their collective experience, expertise, and passion will be invaluable as we continue to work to build a more just and equitable society for all Sikh Americans.”

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR VETOES ANTI-CASTE DISCRIMINATION BILL, CASTE EQUITY MOVEMENT PERSISTS

October 7, 2023

Sacramento, CA – Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed SB403 “Discrimination on the basis of ancestry.” The landmark first-of-its-kind anti-caste discrimination bill would have added “caste” as a protected characteristic under ancestry in California’s anti-discrimination laws. Though Newsom has rejected the legislation for now, the caste equity movement still views this as a win. SB403 is the first anti-caste discrimination bill to have made it all the way through the California legislature. The bill’s overwhelmingly positive trajectory is a manifestation of the enduring power of the intersectional organizing of the California Coalition for Caste Equity which empowered hundreds of organization intersectional grassroots organizers, civil rights leaders, legal scholars, Ravidassia community members, and workers’ rights groups from across California.

The bill was courageously introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab—California’s first Muslim and Afghan Senator—in February of this year and immediately gained widespread support amongst California’s communities. Though there has been volatile disinformation from a few select groups, the South Asian community was never actually divided around the bill—there is unprecedented unity amongst South Asians as well as civil, labor, and gender rights groups who are committed to making American institutions and society more inclusive.

“We are very proud of the power and resilience that caste-oppressed people across the state have shown in their advocacy for SB403. While it is heartbreaking to receive the Governor’s veto, it is not a reflection of the incredible democratic power that our communities showed. We did the impossible. This is the first state bill caste-oppressed people organized and built amazing power and awareness on this issue. We made history conducting the first statewide advocacy days, caravans, and hunger strike for caste equity. We made the world aware that caste exists in the U.S. and our people need a remedy from this violence. A testament to our organizing is in Newsom’s veto where he acknowledges that caste is currently covered. So while we wipe our tears and grieve, know that we are not defeated. For as MLK said though it be long, the arc of the moral universe does eventually bend toward justice. Today, we are continuing our and our ancestors’ call for caste equity. Caste-oppressed people have been mobilizing for years to fight against this form of historical violence and will continue to do so. Due to the pathway paved by the brave civil rights leaders who came before us—Dr. Ambedkar, Rosa Parks, MLK, Savitribai Phule, and many more—we are one step closer to attaining true freedom and healing for we are stronger together,” stated Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of Equality Labs, the nation’s leading Dalit civil rights organization and member of the California Coalition for Caste Equity.

Our campaign’s organizing efforts have been helmed by civil rights leaders from Alphabet Workers Union, the Ambedkar Association of North America, the California Coalition for Caste Equity, SALDEF, Equality Labs, Sikh Coalition, South Asian Network, TechEquity Collaborative, and many others—who collectively conducted more than 700 advocacy meetings, sent over five million emails and calls to legislators, participated in public commentary by providing personal testimonies, traversed thousands of miles in a statewide grassroots caravan, and initiated a historic hunger strike.

Below is a set of quotes from our supporters and co-sponsors:

Harman Singh, Policy & Education Director, Sikh Coalition “The Sikh Coalition is deeply disappointed to learn that Gov. Gavin Newsom has chosen to veto SB403. The Sikh Coalition was proud to sponsor this legislation, because we know firsthand the pain and trauma that comes with being targeted by hate, and the Sikh faith explicitly condemns caste discrimination. Accordingly, we joined more than 45 Sikh organizations and gurdwaras in California urging Gov. Newsom to sign this bill. While we are frustrated by this failure to take a meaningful step forward for the civil rights of all, we will continue to fight for legislation that protects all communities—including the Dalit community—from hate and discrimination.”

Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF “We are deeply disappointed by Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 403, which would have banned caste discrimination in California. This veto is a missed opportunity to protect millions of Californians from a form of discrimination that is deeply rooted in our society. But we won’t stop fighting for a more just and equal society and will continue fighting for California to be the first state to ban discrimination based on caste.”

Nirmal Singh, Californians For Caste Equity and Sri Guru Ravidassia Community “The introduction of SB-403 represents the shifting tide in California to understand caste-based discrimination. The fact that caste-oppressed people were given a platform to stand up for our basic human rights is a huge win in and of itself. Bills like SB-403 would have allowed us to stand safely in our caste-oppressed identities. Though Governor Newsom has rejected the bill for now, we will continue to work alongside many Californians in labor, civil rights, and interfaith movements to ensure California’s opportunities are accessible for all going forward.”

Sana Qutubuddin, No Separate Justice/Indian American Council “As an Indian Muslim, my freedom is connected to the freedom of all caste-oppressed people. We are united in our ask for caste equity and we ask all folks to stand with the cause for justice and love. As a caste-oppressed Muslim, I can affirm that it is unbelievably important that the California legislature listened to the pain of caste-oppressed people of all faiths and worked swiftly to remedy this violence. This veto will not keep us from seeking justice. Justice can no longer be delayed and we cannot wait to continue to build with fellow Californians on this important issue in the future.”