December Advocate

SALDEF Invited as Panelist at University of Florida Law School Last month, SALDEF’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Associate, Amrita Singh, was invited to speak on a panel entitled “South Asian Diversity Leadership” at the 2012 South Asian Bar Association of University of Florida’s South Asian Leadership Forum. Held at the University of Miami, the panel discussed issues facing South Asian attorneys as well as the broader South Asian American community and how South Asian attorneys can help address these challenges.

On November 3rd, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh was invited to speak at a special Sikh Seminar at the annual Yuba City Nagar Kirtan.  He spoke on the effects of bullying and harassment of Sikh children in schools and tactics to deal with and prevent incidents of bullying.
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The Yuba City Nagar Kirtan is one of the largest gatherings of the Sikhs in America, with tens of thousands of community members  from all over North America to be part of this occasion. Other speakers included Professor Bruce LaBrack (University of the Pacific), Professor Paul Engelsberg (Walden University), Dr Rajwant Singh (SCORE) and Simran Kaur (Sikh Coalition). Additionally, special recognition for CA Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, Darshan Singh Mundy, CA State Senator Loni Hancock and Dr. Onkar Bindra were all recognized for their instrumental efforts in helping enact legislation related to Workplace Religious Freedom and getting materials on Sikhism in the school system in California.

SALDEF Speaks to Local University Students

SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh spoke to a South Asian Studies class from Towson University near Baltimore, MD on November 14th. The presentation included an introduction to Sikh Americans and current challenges.  The presentation was followed by a lively discussion about how to balance national security and religious liberty. The presentation was attended by 20 students and was followed by a Q&A session.
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SALDEF is pleased to continue to engage and educate students and the general public on Sikh Americans and Sikhism.  If you are interested in coordinating a speaker for an event please contact us.
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On November 14, SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh presented to over a dozen officers and agents representing the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Las Vegas Fire Department. The training presented basic understanding of the Sikh faith, dispelled common misconceptions of Sikhs, and discussed how to better interact and partner with the Sikh American community.
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The training was initiated as a follow up to the landmark partnership between SALDEF and the LMVPD to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties.
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As a result of the successful training, SALDEF has been invited back to participate in a Las Vegas-wide training on January 24th for local and federal law enforcement agencies across the area.
Sikh Scouts College Day Event — A National Success! On Sunday, November 18th, a series of events on college campuses across the country were held to empower the younger generation of Sikh American.  Over 80 youth attendees were matched with a mentor, and participated in one-on-one and group question and answer sessions. The events, organized by Sikh Scouts, targeted juniors and seniors in high school to discuss the college experience, tour a local college campus, and answer general questions about the college application process. Attendees were given tours to university campuses throughout the country, including the following: New York University (NYU), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Princeton University, and Southern Methodist University/University of Texas at Dallas.  Mentors are also available for any follow up questions mentees have for current or future interest in higher education, if you are interested in hosting a similar event in your area contact us.

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Throughout the month of November, SALDEF Regional Director, Jaswant Chani, presented to representatives from the Department of Justice and Sheriff’s Office in Portland, ME during six independently scheduled training sessions, totaling over 220 individuals in attendance.  The audience included representatives from the Department of Justice – Community Relations Services, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement.  The training, entitled Building Cultural Competency: Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans, provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges facing Sikh Americans. The presentation included the viewing of SALDEF’s training video On Common Ground.

SALDEF Attends Diwali Celebration at White House Last week, for the fourth year, SALDEF attended the White House’s Diwali celebration.  The event brought together South Asian community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and Obama Administration officials, as well as Members of Congress and the Diplomatic Corps. Several speakers, including Vice President Joe Biden, recognized the Wisconsin Shooting earlier this year and acknowledged the Sikh American community’s resilience and spirit. Read the President’s statement on the Observance of Diwali.
  • Army to Allow Turbans in Junior ROTC
  • SALDEF Year End Fundraising Goal Exceeded!
  • UPDATE: India Abroad Apologizes
  • Attention all College Students and Recent Graduates
  • SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Training for Howard County, MD Police
  • SALDEF Hosts Successful Know Your Rights Forums in California
  • 2012 Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars Available
  • SALDEF Participates in Anti-Bullying Circle
  • Scholarship Opportunity Available for High School and College Students
  • Upcoming Events

Army to Allow Turbans in Junior ROTC

The Department of Defense will now allow Sikh and Muslim students participating in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) to wear turbans and headscarves while in uniform. This victory was won by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for responding to an incident in which a Muslim teen quit JROTC when her commanding officer would not allow her to wear her hijab in the homecoming parade.  The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army stated in a letter to CAIR that, “the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab.”

If you have an issue with your high school JROTC, contact us.

SALDEF Year End Fundraising Goal Exceeded!

With the community’s generous support we surpassed our 2011 year end fundraising goal to raise $75,000.  SALDEF would like to thank everyone for their generous donations! This money will help us continue our mission of defending, informing and empowering Sikh Americans. We could not do this without your generous support!  You can support our work year round, or monthly with a recurring donation at www.saldef.org/donate.

Learn more about our work in our newly released annual report.

UPDATE: India Abroad Apologizes

In November 2011, SALDEF responded to an extremely offensive letter to the editor printed in India Abroad blaming Sikh Americans for the ill treatment they may receive. SALDEF took issue with the author’s words as well as India Abroad’s decision to print such a letter. In their December 9, 2011 publication, the editors of India Abroad printed an apology, stating in part, “[We] sincerely apologize for hurting any sentiments caused by the publication of the said letter.” Read the full apology here.

Attention all College Students and Recent Graduates

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices to place exceptional Sikh American college students and recent graduates in internship positions on Capitol Hill. Through this program, Sikh American young leaders will have access to a competitive opportunity that will serve to further their academic and professional aspirations. Spend your summer in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. Make this a summer you won’t forget and gain valuable experience to build your future!
Application deadline for summer 2012 is February 26th at 11:59PM EST.
Early applications will be given preference. Apply online here!

SALDEF Conducts Law Enforcement Training for Howard County, MD Police

Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for new recruits in the Howard County Maryland Police Department on December 23rd, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith.

SALDEF Hosts Successful Know Your Rights Forums in California

On December 4th and 11th, Know Your Rights Forum events were hosted in Northern and Southern California to address local sangat issues around workplace discrimination, hate crimes, biased incidents and more.  Guest speakers from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Department of Justice, Office of Community Relations Services all spoke to the sangat members in detail regarding their civil rights.  Special thanks to Gurdwara management at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose, San Jose and Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Buena Park.

2012 Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars Available

It’s not too late to for SALDEF’s Sikh Awareness Pocket Calendars. Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars. In their ninth year of production, the 2012 calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. In a new folded style, the calendars are the size of standard business cards. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries.


SALDEF Participates in Anti-Bullying Circle

On December 5th, 2011, SALDEF participated in SAALT’s (South Asian Americans Leading Together) DC SAALT Circle, a group of community members who meet bimonthly to discuss issues within the community. The December SAALT Circle addressed the issue of bullying and the South Asian community. SALDEF discussed the impact of bullying from a community level and shared ways that communities can work to reduce and react to bullying. Other speakers on the panel were Akil Vohra from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Shawn Gaylord from GLSEN.

SHARE: Click here to email and share your story about bullying with SALDEF.

Scholarship Opportunity Available for High School and College Students

The International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) announces two scholarships ($500.00 each) in memory of its founder Captain K.H. Singh for Sikh Youth who are High School seniors or current college students. The purpose is to award and promote Sikh Youth as they pursue their educational goals. Deadline to receive applications is January 15, 2012. Details are also available via www.iigs.com.  To apply, click here.

Upcoming Events

  • January 5 – Yolo County District Attorney”s Office Training – Woodland, CA
  • January 11 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training  – Philadelphia, PA
  • January 23 —U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.
  • January 29 – Know Your Rights Forum – Riverside, CA
  • February 8 – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training – Los Angeles, CA
  • February 21 – U.S. Park Police Training – Washington, D.C.

December 6, 2011: Earlier today, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) called on local authorities to initiate a hate crime investigation into the stabbing of a Sikh man at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport on the evening of Sunday, December 4, 2011. READ MORE: Sikh Man Stabbed Waiting for Plane in Fresno (Fresno Bee) WATCH: Stabbing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (ABC-30) According to the Fresno Police Department, a 56-year old Sikh man from India was stabbed near the security area at Fresno Yosemite International Airport while waiting to board his plane. The Sikh traveler suffered a minor cut to his upper torso, and was treated at the airport prior to resuming his journey back to India. The assailant, identified as 26-year old Mitchell Dufur, reportedly approached the Sikh traveler and stabbed him with a pocket knife, without provocation or exchanging any words. Dufur is now in custody, and being held under suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, after he initially attempted to flee from the airport before being apprehended by the local authorities. READ MORE: Police ID Man who Stabbed Sikh with Turban in Attack at CA Airport (Washington Post) According to Fresno Police officials, they are working to determine why the victim was stabbed, but haven’t determined whether the act was in fact a hate crime, as Dufur has refused to talk with the police about the motive for this attack. SALDEF has been in contact with the Fresno Police Department to gather more details and information about this horrible incident and have offered our services to assist in the investigation in any way possible. SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202.403.0246 or via our Report an Incident Form.

•   Las Vegas Police Department and SALDEF Partner on Training •   Law Enforcement Training a Success in Birmingham, AL •   SALDEF Presents to Office of Director of National Intelligence •   TAKE ACTION: End Racial Profiling •   SALDEF Attends TSA Coalition Conference •   Gates Millennium Scholarship Now Accepting Applications •   Follow Us on Twitter •   Upcoming Events Las Vegas Police Department and SALDEF Partner to Develop Training Program Earlier this fall, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and SALDEF partnered to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program for the LVMPD. The LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices. To read more, click here. Law Enforcement Training a Success in Birmingham, AL Navtej Singh, SALDEF’s Southeastern Regional Director, conducted a Law Enforcement Partnership Program training for officers across Alabama on September 20, 2011. The training provided information on the Sikh faith and theology, as well as the challenges Sikh Americans face on a daily basis. Participants watched On Common Ground, a training film co-produced by SALDEF and the Department of Justice, to help articulate the steps officers can take to identify and respect members of the Sikh faith. SALDEF Presents to Office of Director of National Intelligence In September, SALDEF Policy Advisor, Navdeep Singh, made a presentation to leaders of the National Intelligence Community about Sikh Americans at a meeting hosted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He covered the history of Sikhs in the United States and provided an overview of Sikh beliefs. He also discussed how Sikh Americans can be an asset to the United States national security and intelligence communities and shared ways in which the government can engage, interact, and recruit more effectively from the community. TAKE ACTION: End Racial Profiling The End Racial Profiling Act was recently introduced to the Senate. This landmark legislation aims to eliminate racial and religious profiling that has singled out various minority communities, including Sikh Americans, in the United States. Send a message to your Senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill. SALDEF Attends TSA Coalition Conference On September 7, 2011, the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Civil Rights and Liberties held their 9th annual Coalition Conference.  Various community groups were in attendance for this conference in which information regarding screening practices, policies, and initiatives were discussed. In addition, community groups were given the opportunity to address their concerns with current and future TSA programs. Gates Millennium Scholarship Now Accepting Applcations For students entering college for the first time in Fall 2012, the GMS 2012 Scholarship Application online process is now open. The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. GMS will select 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. The Gates Millennium Scholars are provided with personal and professional development through the GMS leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career. Find more information on their website here. Follow us on Twitter Become a follower of SALDEF on Twitter and get real-time updates about current events in the Sikh American community, issues we are working on, and meetings we are attending.  Check out our recent activity and follow us at twitter.com/saldef. Upcoming Events: * Nagar Kirtan–Yuba City, CA– November 6th * SikhLens Film Festival-– Orange County, CA– November 18-20th * Know Your Rights Forum— Buena Park, CA– December 4th * Know Your Rights Forum–San Jose, CA–December 11th

(Washington, DC,  10/18/2011) – Earlier this fall, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and SALDEF partnered to create a one of its kind cultural awareness training program for the LVMPD. The online training module is based on the Law Enforcement Partnership Program developed by SALDEF in 1999, and includes video and imagery of On Common Ground, a law enforcement training video developed by SALDEF and the United States Department of Justice. The LEPP training program has been used by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement departments, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the entire Washington Metropolitan Police Department and Boston Police Department. Beginning in January 2011, the LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of the greater Las Vegas area, and SALDEF, came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices.  The training was also specifically tailored to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties. “I am proud of our long standing tradition in providing the best possible cultural awareness training to our organization” said Doug Gillespie, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  “Our valued collaboration with SALDEF has produced a unique and informative curriculum which will serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.” “We are pleased to partner with the LVMPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community”, said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.” SALDEF would like to applaud Sheriff Gillespie and Detective Kenneth Mead for their leadership and partnership in this initiative, and hope that this collaboration serves as a model showing the need for and benefit of, collaboration between law enforcement and the Sikh American community across the country. If you would like to work with your local law enforcement department on a similar initiative, please contact SALDEF.

(For Immediate Release, Washington, DC) – Earlier this month, The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), partnering with the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) created a one of kind cultural awareness training program tailored to the needs of Las Vegas law enforcement.  The online training module was released in September 2011. Beginning in January 2011, the LVMPD Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC), the Sikh American community of Clark County, and SALDEF came together to develop a cultural awareness training course to introduce and inform local law enforcement officials about the Sikh American community and their cultural practices.  The training was also tailored specifically to the needs of Las Vegas area law enforcement for the likely interactions they may have in the course of their duties. “I am proud of our long standing tradition in providing the best possible cultural awareness training to our organization” said Doug Gillespie, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  “Our valued collaboration with SALDEF has produced a unique and informative curriculum which will serve to strengthen our partnership with the Sikh American community.” Kavneet Singh, Managing Director, SALDEF: “We are pleased to partner with the LVMPD as they continue to play a leading role in developing best practices for the law enforcement community. Cultural awareness training breaks down barriers of communication, leads to better policing, and creates a stronger relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. We applaud Sheriff Gillespie and Detective Kenneth Mead for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor.” The module is based on the Law Enforcement Partnership Program training program SALDEF developed in conjunction with national law enforcement professionals in 1999.  The training program includes “On Common Ground”, a training video developed by SALDEF and the United States Department of Justice. The training program has been used by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement departments, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department. ##END##

SALDEF Conducts Sikh Awareness Presentations for Georgia DDS and US Attorney

SALDEF conducted two significant trainings in the Atlanta area and informed over 150 employees of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and the regional US Attorney’s office about Sikh religious practices. Presentation Sikh AwarenessGeorgia DDS Training – Last year, the Georgia DDS denied a Sikh American father and son the right to have their driver’s license picture taken. As a result of SALDEF’s intervention, both men were allowed to wear their dastaar in their driver’s license photo. Additionally, SALDEF demanded that all frontline DDS employees be informed about Sikh religious practices and the significance of the Sikh dastaar. On April 18, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh, conducted a Sikh awareness presentation for approximately 120 customer service representatives and supervisors from all over the state. According to Alan Watson, Division Director, “The presentation was exceptionally beneficial for our staff. We all have a much better understanding of who Sikh Americans are and what they believe in. Specifically, we understand the importance of the Sikh Turban.” US Attorney and Executive Staff Training – On April 19, SALDEF conducted a Sikh Awareness presentation for the US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Sally Yates, and her executive staff.  The purpose of the presentation was to increase awareness about Sikh Americans among the highest law enforcement officials in the district and highlight the most common problems faced by Sikh Americans. The presentation, which showed SALDEF’s groundbreaking training video, On Common Ground, included a brief history of the Sikhs, introduction to Sikh theology, common challenges faced by Sikh Americans, and recommendations for respectfully engaging with the Sikh American community. US Attorney Yates stated, “This was one of the most useful trainings I have attended, and I am pleased that we will be further strengthening our relationship with the local Sikh American community over the next several months.” Presentation to Sikh Study Circle Sangat – On April 17, SALDEF had the opportunity to speak with the sangat of the Sikh Study Circle in Atlanta, GA. Jasjit Singh spoke about the aforementioned incident with the Georgia DDS and the resolution of two other cases of Sikh Americans being denied access to a Georgia courthouse in 2007and 2006. Mr. Singh stressed the need for community members to report all incidents of discrimination or harassment immediately to SALDEF and the proper authorities. Please contact SALDEF if you would like us to conduct a presentation in your community.

The Know Your Rights program creates an open forum encouraging all Sikh Americans to understand their rights.

As a part of SALDEF”s ongoing effort to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a Know Your Rights (KYR) Forum for the Sikh American community of Las Vegas and Clark County, NV in cooperation with the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh on Sunday, March 20th from 2-4pm.

The following government agencies and representatives will provide community members with important information about employment discrimination, hate crimes, and government resources. Additionally, this will be an opportunity to network with government recruiters and discuss employment opportunities.

Lucy Orta
Director
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Superintendent Dwight Jones (Invited)
Superintendent
Clark County School District
Nevada Department of Education

Holly James
Community Outreach Specialist
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)


Kenneth Mead
Detective
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Since 2002, SALDEF has organized numerous educational workshops for Sikh American communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

SALDEF would like to thank the management of the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh and the leaders of the local Sikh American community, as well as the participating government agencies for their support.

For additional information about this event or if you would like to organize a Know Your Rights Forum for your community, please contact Birpal Kaur by email at info@saldef.org or via phone at 213.985.1116.

Please distribute this widely to family, friends and at the local Gurdwara.

SALDEF commends Seattle law enforcement; Urges Sikh Americans to stay vigilant Last week, a Sikh American convenience store clerk in Seattle, WA, was brutally assaulted and called a member of Al-Qaida.  SALDEF commends King County prosecutors for charging the alleged assailant, Mr. Brock Stainbrook. with committing a hate crime in addition to the charges of malicious harassment and fourth-degree assault.  He is currently being held by police on $150,000 bail pending trial. READ MORE: Seattle man attacked shopkeeper, calls victim a terrorist The victim was assaulted, told he was not an American, and called a terrorist because he wore a dastaar (Sikh turban) in accordance with his Sikh faith. After initially striking Mr. S (identity kept confidential), Mr. Stainbrook yelled at the unidentified Sikh American man, “You’re not even American, you’re al-Qaida. Go back to your country.” According to sources, Stainbrook has two prior convictions for two counts of fourth-degree assault and criminal trespass.  Stainbrook is being held on a $150,000 bail. With anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment on the rise within the past several months, SALDEF commends Seattle area law enforcement for investigating and recognizing this attack as a hate crime. “These crimes based on the perceived race, ethnicity, or religion of the victim cannot be tolerated.  Unfortunately, the anti-Muslim bias and nativist feelings that motivates these attacks are based on a premise that runs counter to the fundamental freedoms and liberties that our nation was founded upon,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh in a statement to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. “All Americans must be free to practice their faith without fear, and this strong action by Seattle prosecutors will go a long way in sending a message to individuals that hate will not be tolerated.” According to recent FBI Census statistics, anti-religious and anti-race motivated crimes and incidents have made up to be the majority cause of hate crimes.  To read more information about what a hate crime is, please click here. SALDEF denounces the rise in anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment that has lead to this attack and others. SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly toll free at 1.877.91SIKHS or via our Report an Incident Form. We all have a responsibility to ensure our freedom from harassment and discrimination.

  • SALDEF Previews New NBC Show ‘Outsourced’
  • SALDEF National Gala – October 16 in DC
  • Department of Homeland Security Annual Roundtable
  • FBI training on Sikh Americans
  • Connecting with Sikh American Youth at Local Camps
  • Lobbying for WRFA
  • Apply to be a Fall Intern

SALDEF Previews New NBC Show ‘Outsourced’ On August 16, SALDEF met with NBC executives to preview the pilot episode of the network’s new comedy ‘Outsourced’.  The show, which features a Sikh American as a cast member, is about a manager in the United States whose call center has been outsourced and follows him as he moves to India and manage the operation. After the showing, SALDEF commended NBC for promoting diversity through its programming but also cautioned the network to remain sensitive to the Sikh American community’s perception of the character and the show.  The show will air on Thursdays at 9:30 / 8:30c starting September 23rd. SALDEF National Gala – October 16 in DC Join us for an evening of celebration, culture and achievement in the Nation’s Capital on October 16.  We will recognize individuals who have contributed to the advancement and protection of religious liberty and civil rights in this country.  The event will feature cultural performances and live entertainment.  More information coming soon to saldef.org Department of Homeland Security Roundtable in Los Angeles Last month, SALDEF participated in an annual Roundtable hosted by the Department of Homeland Security in Los Angeles, CA.  The event included an introduction to the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Margo Schlanger, as well as presentations from Arif Alikhan, DHS Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Michael Downing, Deputy Chief, Los Angeles Police Department.  Other agencies which were represented included the FBI, TSA, U.S. Attorney’s Office-Civil Rights Division, LA County Sheriffs, and ICE. Topics of discussion included partnership with Law Enforcement, community policing initiatives, and cultural competency trainings with other community and agency representatives.  SALDEF raised the issue of increased racial profiling under new community policing and anti-terrorism projects programs such as I-Watch and Counter Violent Extremism (CVE). SALDEF will continue to work with DHS to ensure that community concerns are closely monitored. FBI Training on Sikh Americans On July 29, SALDEF provided cultural sensitivity training to approximately 50 FBI agents and staff members at the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  Participants watched On Common Ground, a DVD training video produced by SALDEF in collaboration with the Department of Justice, and received a presentation about the Sikh articles of faith, religious practices, and appropriate protocol when interacting with Sikh Americans. The presentation was well received and SALDEF has been requested to hold a similar presentation in the near future. Connecting with Sikh American Youth at Local Camps This summer, SALDEF presented Anti-Bullying and ‘Getting Involved’ workshops at three Sikh Youth Camps.  At Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh Studies in Maryland, 50 children learned how to more effectively handle situations when they feel bullied at school.  At Guru Gobind Singh Foundation Camp, also in Maryland, approximately 80 campers learned how to more effectively communicate about their faith and identity to non-Sikhs.  At Camp Gian near Los Angeles, SALDEF discussed how young Sikhs can be involved in the community and develop leadership skills for the future.   Through the workshops, presentations and group discussions SALDEF seeks to provide support and guidance for the Sikh American youth across the country.  If we can support your child or local school, please contact us. Lobbying for Religious Freedom in the Workplace — WRFA Over the past month, SALDEF has continued to engage with the offices of several members of Congress to support the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA).  If passed, WRFA will positively impact the Sikh American community by strengthening the laws which allow for religious expression in the workplace. To read about past engagement with this bill please click below:

Apply to be a Fall Intern The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. SALDEF is seeking interns to assist in the following areas: Legislation, Communication, Development and Technology/Media. The deadline to apply for the Fall is September 16. For more information, click here.