Washington D.C. — July 18, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, urges the Sikh American community to contact their Senators to support S. 1105, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA). Your immediate support is urgently needed. Tell your Senator that hate is not an American or Sikh Value and that this is important legislation that must be passed. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the LLEHCPA earlier this year. It will allow for the federal resources to go to the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes which affect our families and community, and will help to ensure that victims of these crimes see justice. Without the passage of this hate crimes bill, hate crimes committed in our country will continue to go unrecognized, un-investigated, and unpunished. This past week, the importance of this bill became even more apparent to the Sikh American community with the murder of 26-year-old Satender Singh. Mr. Singh was removed from life support after being viciously assault in Sacramento over the July 4th weekend in a bias motivated attack. The assailants have yet to be found. If enacted, the LLEHCPA would assist local authorities with the investigation of hate crimes and ensure that the assailants are brought to justice. Protection from hate- and bias- motivated violence is a basic and essential civil right and the Senate must act now to ensure that this fundamental freedom is guaranteed to all Americans. Click here to contact your senator and urge him/her to support the hate crimes bill. To contact your senator directly, call (202) 224-3131 and request your Senator’s Office Click here for more background on the LLEHCPA.
SALDEF Urges Sikh American community to call their Senators to support Hate Crimes Bill
Washington D.C. – June 5, 2008: Last week, a Sikh family in Albuquerque, New Mexico awoke to find their vehicle had been defaced in an act of racist vandalism. Mr. and Mrs. Singh, who have asked to maintain their anonymity, awoke in the morning to find their car vandalized with an extremely offensive picture of male genitalia and the statement, “(explicative removed) Alah!” (click here to see the image) Additionally, in a phone conversation with SALDEF, the family feels they have been victim to at least two previous bias crimes. Both of the previous incidents involved a single white male between the age of 20 and 30 shouting at the couple and in one case involved an alleged physical attack with the man throwing stones at Mr. Singh. A formal complaint has been filed with the Albuquerque Police Department; however, the investigation is still ongoing. SALDEF has engaged in direct communication with these authorities to ensure that there is an increase in patrols in the area and that the hate crime investigation continues. “Such an incident is not only an attack against the victims, but both the larger Sikh and Muslim American communities in New Mexico”, said SALDEF Western Regional Director Kavneet Singh. Law enforcement should respond forcibly with similar cases. Often times, cases of physical bias attacks result from a poor response to issues which may seem ‘minor’ to members of the community and therefore get under-addressed.” SALDEF is encouraged to hear that the neighbors of this couple have joined together in speaking out against such acts of hate and are showing their full-fledged support to the Singh family. SALDEF urges the Sikh American community to report incidents of bias, regardless of how minor the situation may be perceived by local authorities by calling 911 and contacting SALDEF at info@saldef.org or 877-917-4547.
SALDEF works with local authorities to ensure attack is classified as hate crime Washington D.C. – April 11, 2008: A Sikh graduate student at Texas A & M University was viciously attacked by an unknown individual in Bryan, TX and had his turban forcibly knocked off of his head. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) filed formal complaints with the Bryan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has learned that the attack has been classified as a hate crime. On February 28, 2008, Mr. Singh (name withheld for privacy) was walking back to his vehicle at a local Wal-Mart parking lot when he was approached by an unknown male who called Mr. Singh a ‘terrorist’ and then made other disparaging and racist remarks. Mr. Singh responded by telling the suspect that he did not want any trouble at which time the individual approached Mr. Singh and punched him in the face and head, knocking both Mr. Singh and his daastar (turban) to the ground. Mr. Singh did not sustain any major injuries. The immediate reaction of some of the police officers involved in the case was less than ideal. Mr. Singh was initially discouraged from making a police report on the night of the incident. Within two weeks of the incident occurring, the Bryan Police Department allegedly closed the case, despite overwhelming evidence involving witness identification of a vehicle at the scene of the crime and a partial license plate, which later matched the vehicle design. After Mr. Singh reported the incident, SALDEF immediately contacted Bryan Police Department Chief Ty Morrow inquiring about the status of police investigation. SALDEF asked for a vigorous investigation and for crime to be prosecuted and classified as a hate crime. On March 31, 2008 the Bryan Police Department informed SALDEF that the incident had been re-classified as a class ‘C’ assault with hate crime enhancement. The necessary paperwork has been filed and the case is currently in active investigation. SALDEF thanks the Bryan Police Department for understanding the significance of the Sikh turban and rightfully classifying the incident as a hate crime. SALDEF will monitor the progress of the investigation and will ensure that the crime is prosecuted as a hate crime.
SALDEF urges you to tell Congressional Leaders to support the Hate Crimes Prevention provisions in the Department of Defense conference report. This legislation brings much needed uniformity to federal hate crime laws and reflects the growing support for stronger hate crime legislation on the state level. Every year, Sikh Americans across the nation find themselves the victim of a hate crime. It is important that the victims of hate crimes see justice. Unfortunately, current law does not always offer them that hope. Click here to learn more and urge Congress to take action.
Thanks to the largest Sikh pro-bono legal team in the nation, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), has successfully defended the rights of hundreds of Sikh Americans. Protecting Our Children: Pennsylvania SALDEF defended of Harshaan Singh Athwal to wear his patka while playing for his youth soccer team. Harshaan was barred from playing his favorite sport by a referee who felt concerned by his patka. SALDEF worked with his family and the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League to ensure Harshaan would be allowed to play soccer while wearing his mandated religious head covering. You can help protect our children across the country for as little as $5 or $10 a month. Defending Constitutional Rights: Texas SALDEF and the ACLU on behalf of Amardeep Singh who was denied his constitutional right to defend himself in court because he is a Sikh. Mr. Singh was thrown out of a Dallas Courtroom because the Judge felt the turban was a violation of the court’s dress policy. If you believe in protecting the constitutional rights and guaranteed freedoms of your fellow Sikhs show your support today! Ensuring Religious Freedom: Oregon Meherbani Kaur Khalsa was stopped by an agent at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from taking her driver’s license photograph while wearing her turban. SALDEF worked with the State of Oregon to clarify the exception for religious head coverings and allow Ms. Khalsa to maintain her Sikh identity for her Drivers License. Justice for Victims of Hate: Maryland On the anniversary of September 11, a horrified family saw their grandfathers return home severely beaten after their evening walk. SALDEF worked with county officials and the local community to identify the high school aged attackers. SALDEF continues to work with the police and local schools in Maryland increase awareness and understanding of the Sikh American community. Through your generous support, SALDEF will continue to defend the rights of Sikh Americans across the nation. Make your one-time or recurring contribution before the year ends to help continue this work done in the spirit of seva.
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.
Washington, D.C., November 13, 2007 — The Commonwealth of Virginia Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Simran Singh an “accident” despite evidence of dozens of severe bruises to Mr. Singh’s head, neck, and torso. Additionally, the report indicates that Mr. Singh was physically restrained and choked by his assailants for “four to five minutes.” On August 3, 2007, Simran Singh, a twenty-one year-old student from George Mason University, was reportedly found by police on I-395 in Arlington, Virginia, unconscious, badly bruised, and bleeding severely. Four individuals were with Mr. Singh at the time – to SALDEF’s knowledge, none have been charged or even investigated. During their investigation, the Arlington County Police Department engaged in a series of questionable practices which SALDEF considers police misconduct. Over the course of the investigation, SALDEF has come across numerous instances in which the Detective on the case hindered the criminal investigation. The Arlington County Board was contacted by SALDEF and key individuals who met with the family. The County Board has yet to assist the parents of Mr. Singh in their attempts to understand what happened to their son or addressing concerns about police misconduct during the investigation. The offices of Senator John Warner, Congressman Tom Davis, and Governor Tim Kaine have expressed their support and offered assistance to the family. SALDEF urges the community to ensure that justice is found in this case and that Simran Singh’s assailants are not allowed to escape justice. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, has expressed the deep concerns of the Washington, DC metropolitan Sikh American community over the investigation and handling of the incident by Arlington County. SALDEF has fielded countless calls from concerned community members regarding this incident. PRESS CONTACT: media@saldef.org
SALDEF commends Montgomery County Police for efforts in apprehending alleged perpetrators Washington, DC: October 4, 2007 – Yesteday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nations oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, was informed that five teens have been arrested in connection with a string of attacks in Burtonsville, Maryland. SALDEF spoke directly with Chief Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department who discussed the arrests and indicated that additional arrests are expected. On September 15, 2007, two Sikhs, Darshan Singh Sarang and Bhupinder Singh Nibber, were walking near their home when they were approached by a group of six young men. One of the teenagers struck Mr. Sarang on the side of his face, fracturing his eye socket and causing him to fall to the ground. When Mr. Nibber threatened to call the police, he was also assaulted by the group. Additionally, on September 16, 2007, a Muslim American man also from Burtonsville, was accosted in a similar incident by a group of teenagers while he was standing in front of his apartment complex. This individual informed SALDEF of the attack in order to determine if the attacks were linked. It has also been reported that a third victim experienced a similar violent attack days after these two incidents. “We are pleased to hear that arrests have been made in these string of violent attacks,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “The Sikh, Arab, and Muslim American communities have been waiting anxiously over the past 2 weeks. We commend the Montgomery County Police Department for their steadfast dedication to bringing these assailants to justice and showing that hate will not be tolerated in Maryland.” While this is a positive development, and SALDEF continues to work with Montgomery County officials, we urge the community to be vigilant by taking precautions and not placing themselves in vulnerable situations. SALDEF encourages the community to join SALDEF’s programs to broaden awareness of the Sikh faith and community across the State of Maryland, especially for non-Sikh youth. To read more about this incident:
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
FBI asked to probe possible hate crime; Community urged to continue reporting similar incidents UPDATES (9/24/07):
Washington D.C. – September 20, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, filed a formal complaint today with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about an alleged hate crime in Burtonsville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. The incident occurred when two Sikh American men were walking near their home during the afternoon of Saturday, September 15, 2007. During their walk they were approached by a group of six young men. As the group approached, one of the young men struck the first victim with a blow to the side of his face, causing him to fall to the ground and partially lose consciousness. When the other victim attempted to call the police, another young man took his cell phone and began assaulting him. The attackers continued their assault on the victims after which they fled from the scene. As no valuables were taken from the victims, there are indications the attack could have been racially and religiously motivated. “Such attacks create an environment of fear for not only all Maryland residents, but for all minorities across the country,” said SALDEF Associate Director Rajbir S. Datta. “Unfortunately, the incident, which took place four days after the sixth anniversary of 9/11, has become an all too common experience for Sikh Americans.” SALDEF has filed formal complaints with the FBI and Montgomery County Police Department encouraging them to investigate the attack as a possible hate crime.