The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) continues to work for the community to ensure the Sikh American voice is heard at all levels of government, from Congress to State Legislatures. Hate Crime Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress. This vital piece of legislation would assist state and local anti-bias efforts by enabling the Justice Department to assist officials in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Religious Freedom Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress to ensure that Sikhs are not forced to check their religion at the door of their workplace. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) would prevent employers from denying employment or advancement to a Sikh simply because of his or her daastar, kesh, kirpan, or kara. Anti-Bullying Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress to ensure our children attend school free from harassment and bullying. Our children have the right to be academically successful and free from bullying; however, many schools across the country have inadequate policies governing school harassment. Racial Profiling Legislation SALDEF is the only Sikh American organization working with Congress on the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA). This legislation will prohibit law enforcement from engaging in racial profiling and targeting Americans solely based on their physical appearance. If you believe in protecting your fellow Sikhs from hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and bullying show your support today! Government Relations SALDEF continues to collaborate with government officials, representing the interests of the Sikh American community. SALDEF is continually the sole Sikh representative at meetings with the United States Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through your generous support, SALDEF will be able to continue to ensure that Congress passes laws which protect the rights of Sikh Americans across the nation. Make your tax-deductible contribution before the year ends to support this work done in the spirit of seva.
The Sikh American Voice in Congress
SALDEF Expresses Disappointment with Congressional Defeat of Landmark Hate Crimes Legislation Washington, D.C. – December 7, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, today expressed its extreme disappointed with the recent defeat of vital hate crime legislation in Congress. “Every year, Sikh Americans across the nation find themselves the victims of hate crimes without any support from their local police departments,” remarked SALDEF National Director Rajbir Singh Datta. “The United States Congress must exemplify the courage necessary to ensure that we are welcoming of our nation’s diversity rather than in strict opposition to it.” The bill would have strengthened the ability of federal, state, and local governments to investigate and prosecute hate crimes. The bill helps state and local anti-bias efforts by enabling the Justice Department to assist them in the investigation and prosecution of all hate crimes. This bill is vital in areas of the United States where the local officials choose not, or do not, have the resources to investigate and prosecute assailants of hate crimes. SALDEF would like to thank the supporters who signed a petition in support of sustaining hate crime protections with the current legislation. While we are all disappointed at the recent news, SALDEF will continue to work to ensure that strong anti-hate crimes legislation is passed. SALDEF is a member of a national coalition of over 200 civil rights, faith-based, law enforcement, and women’s groups who worked to advocate for hate crimes legislation in Congress. For more information about hate crimes legislation please click here.
Senate will help protect victims of hate crimes Washington, DC: September 27, 2007 –- This morning the Senate passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA). The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, worked with a national coalition of over 200 civil rights, faith-based, law enforcement, and women’s groups working to ensure passage of this bill. “Today the Senate sends a clear message that crimes motivated by hate will not be tolerated in America, and that such offenses will be prosecuted with vigor. As a nation dedicated to the ideals of equality and mutual understanding, we have a special responsibility to combat bigotry that takes the form of violence,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid about the bill, which passed with bipartisan support. LLEHCPA will allow the federal government to assist states and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. Doing so will make communities safer for people of different backgrounds. The law extends hate crime legislation to those states where current laws are inadequate. “We are encouraged that the Senate chose to pass this bill which will help protect victims of hate crimes. Sikh Americans saw a surge in crimes committed against them after the September 11 attacks on our country,” said SALDEF Chairman Manjit Singh. “Unfortunately, Sikh Americans are still targets of acts of hate like the recent attacks on two elderly Sikh American men in Maryland. We are disappointed President Bush has threatened to veto this important legislation which reaffirms the equality of all Americans.” The Senate Bill, S. 1105, sponsored by Senators Kennedy (D-MA) and Smith (R-OR), passed with the support of every Senate Democrat and Republican Senators Collins (ME), Coleman (MN), Gregg (NH), Lugar (IN), Smith (OR), Snowe (WA), Specter (PA), Voinovich (OH), and Warner (VA). The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed similar legislation, H.R. 1592, earlier this year. SALDEF commends the Sikh American community for encouraging their Senators to vote for this important legislation and Sikh American youth for encouraging their granthis to join other religious leaders in supporting the legislation. Read more about the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act: SALDEF Welcomes Congressional Legislation on Hate Crimes
Leading Sikh organizations continue to engage TSA Washington D.C. – September 17, 2007 : In response to the concerns of the Sikh American community and the efforts of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS, Congressional leaders issued a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Kip Hawley. Congressional Leaders who sent the letter include: – Congressman Michael Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus; – Congressman John Conyers, Chair House Judiciary Committee – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Chair House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection – Congressman Tom Lantos, Chair House Foreign Relations Committee – Congressman Bobby Scott, Chair CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce “We are concerned that the change was made without community consultation,…and that greater discretion for searching headwear without proper guidance for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), has lead to racial profiling,” said the statement. “A mandatory turban pat-down is tantamount to racial and religious profiling and is therefore unacceptable in our democracy. It would be intolerable if the new policy had indeed been implement, whether intended or not, in this manner.” Read the full text of the letter here. The Congressmen asked Secretary Chertoff and Administrator Hawley to explain aspects of the policy and its implementation, including how and why any misunderstanding and miscommunication occurred. In addition, they requested that TSA and DHS “work with representatives of the Sikh American community to ensure that the policy reflects a respect for the religious significance of turbans within the Sikh faith, and that the screening policy protects our homeland without sacrificing our religious freedoms.” SALDEF commends Congressmen Honda, Conyers, Lantos, Scott, and Congresswoman Jackson-Lee, for responding to the concerns of the Sikh American community brought forth by SALDEF, the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS. SALDEF looks forward to continuing discussions with TSA and DHS to finding a solution which respects national security and the religious rights of all Americans. For more information on the new policy and your rights as a passenger, please see below: – Sikh American Groups Meet with TSA about Turban Screening Policy – New Airport Security Screening Procedure Affects Sikh Turban – Airport Security and Your Rights as a Passenger – Video of SALDEF on FOX NEWS
SALDEF Encourages Community Action on Hate Crime Prevention Washington D.C. – June 9, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) strongly urges all Sikh Religious Leaders to sign on to an interfaith letter in support of The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) (Senate bill number S. 1105). In the previous Congress, this bill enjoyed broad bi-partisan and law enforcement support from across the nation. The interfaith letter, available online here, urges United States Senators to co-sponsor and pass ground breaking hate crimes legislation which will provide local governments with necessary resources to serve their communities. Bias crimes are increasingly a cause for concern within the Sikh American community in a pre- and post-9/11 context. The FBI Hate Crime Report, although voluntary, has documented over 115,000 hate crimes since 1991. In 2005, 7,183 hate crimes were reported, of which, 17.1 percent were perpetrated against individuals of faith and 14.2 percent against ethnic minorities. Current law authorizes federal involvement only in those cases in which the victim was targeted because of race, color, religion, or national origin. Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions neither have the resources nor will to investigate and prosecute assailants alleged to have committed a hate crime. Additionally, current law does not protect victims on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. LLEHCPA will allow the federal government to assist states and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes when the local agencies request such support. Doing so will make our nation safer for all Americans and allow smaller municipalities to procure additional resources to effectively investigate and prosecute bias crimes. The law also extends serious hate crime legislation to those states where current laws are inadequate. “This legislation represents a significant step in ensuring those who violate someone’s civil rights will be brought to justice,” said Kavneet Singh, Managing Director of SALDEF. “Our elected officials must recognize the need for stronger and more effective laws against hate crimes. These crimes are not just against the person, but against the entire community he or she represents.” The legislation has a broad range of support of over 200 civil rights, advocacy and law enforcement organizations including; the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Anti-Defamation League, Human Rights Campaign, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, among many others. To sign the letter, go here. Click on “Sign the letter” and fill out the appropriate contact information. Indicate that you heard about the letter through SALDEF. By signing this letter you join religious leaders of a multitude of faiths from across America, SALDEF, and its coalition partners in denouncing hate crimes. For more information on SALDEF’s past legislative and hate crimes initiatives, please see below: SALDEF meets with FBI Director Robert Mueller SALDEF Congratulates House for Passing Hate Crime Bill Partnerships with U.S. Muslim, Sikh Leaders Boost Law Enforcement SALDEF Welcomes Congressional Legislation on Hate Crimes
Sikh American Community Encouraged to Contact Local Legislators to Support Important Bill Washington D.C. – March 21, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights advocacy organization, today applauds Congress for taking the first step in passing a new piece of legislation aimed at protecting the nation’s communities from hate violence. Late yesterday, U.S. House of Representative Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI), introduced H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime’s Prevention Act of 2007. The legislation, which has enjoyed bipartisan support from this Congress, and has 137 co-sponsors already, will provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies and amend federal law to facilitate with the investigation and prosecution of violent, bias-motivated crimes. “By introducing this legislation, the House has sent a clear message that hate crimes will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “Even before the flurry of post-9/11 hate crimes affecting the Sikh American and other communities, we were working with a broad coalition to pass this legislation. We applaud the House for introducing this important piece of legislation.” Bias crimes are increasingly a cause for concern specifically within the Sikh American community. The FBI Hate Crime Report, although voluntary, has documented over 115,000 hate crimes since 1991. In 2005, 7,183 hate crimes were reported, of which, 17.1 percent were perpetrated against individuals of faith and 14.2 percent against ethnic minorities. The legislation has a broad range of support of over 200 civil rights, advocacy and law enforcement organizations including: Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Anti-Defamation League, Human Rights Campaign, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, among many others. For more information about our work, visit www.saldef.org or contact us at 202-393-2700 or info@saldef.org
Washington DC, August 31, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) today condemns comments made by Wisconsin U.S. House of Representative’s Republican Candidate Paul R. Nelson indicating that individuals who wear a turban and individuals named Mohammed are directly related with terrorism.
During an interview with Jeff Petersen of Wisconsin’s WIXK radio, Mr. Nelson suggested that Muslim males ought to be singled out, by airport security. “Racial profiling is one way that we can cut down on security risks,” said Nelson.
When asked to describe what a Muslim male looks like, Nelson responded “well, you know, if he comes in wearing a turban and his name is Mohammed, that’s a good start.”
In response to this outrageous statement, SALDEF has written a formal letter demanding an apology from Mr. Nelson and his campaign for his irresponsible and racist comments along with his public support of profiling suspects solely based on their physical appearance.
Additionally, SALDEF in conjunction with a diverse group of 30 organizations from across the country issued a joint letter yesterday to Mr. Nelson in opposition to his statements. Additionally, a similar joint opposition letter was sent to Congressman Pete King (R-NY), New York Gubernatorial candidate John Faso and Florida Congressional candidate Mark Flanagan for their flagrant support of racial profiling.
There are over 1.2 billion Muslims across the world who come from all races, ethnicities and national origins. Additionally, the vast majority of individuals wearing turbans in the United States are adherent’s of the Sikh faith. Any attempt to associate Sikh Americans and the entire Muslim community with terrorism shows a blatant use of racist policy and complete disregard for the diversity in American society.
“Supporters of racial profiling offer a dangerous view of law enforcement and only seek to criminalize a certain part of the community due to their perceived or actual religious or cultural affiliation,” said SALDEF President Mirin Kaur Phool. “Mr. Nelson’s support of racial profiling seeks only to demean a certain segment of society rather than truly support national security efforts to keep American’s safe.”
Law enforcement and terrorism experts, including the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denounced racial profiling as ineffective and a waste of government resources. Racial profiling as a policy would spread National Security resources thin and force officials to investigate innocent civilians while possibly allowing credible security threats, who do not conform to government stereotypes, to go unchecked.
Additionally, efforts to legitimize racial profiling as a viable policy have resulted in misguided citizens conducting their own policing operations and either acting on their bigotry or exacting revenge on innocent individuals across the country. Sikh Americans have been subject to over 800 reported hate crimes and bias related incidents since the tragic attacks of 9/11.
Most recently on July 30 an innocent 66-year old Sikh American gentleman in San Jose, California was stabbed in the neck by a 25 year old assailant who thought, due to his turban and beard, he was a member of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
President Bush expected to sign bill prior to Summer Recess Washington D.C., July 21, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American Civil Rights organization, commends the United States Senate for voting unanimously on June 20, 2006 in support of the reauthorization of S. 2703 the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Cesar E. Chavez Voting Rights Act. Previously, on July 13, 2006 the House of Representatives voted 390-33 to approve the reauthorization of VRA extending the crucial voter protections set out in this bill for an additional 25 years. “We commend both houses of Congress for passing this historic and hugely important piece of legislation that will continue to protect and sustain America’s democracy,” said SALDEF President Mirin Kaur Phool. “In passing this bill with no amendments, Congress has taken a giant step in ensuring that all citizens get their fair and equal access to vote.” Among the provisions which were being threatened include Section 203 of the VRA with requires certain states and local jurisdictions to provide language assistance in languages other than English to voters who are not literate or fluent in English. Additionally at risk of expiring was 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. Section 203 is vital to ensuring that Sikh Americans have the ability to take part in the democratic process by going to the polls while Section 5 ensures that any proposed changes in areas that have a history of discrimination have a degree of oversight to ensure the changes are being made in good faith. Voting is a hallmark of a true democracy and SALDEF urges President George W. Bush to fulfill his earlier commitment and sign this legislation into law. 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.
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.
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.