The Cost of Progress — Will You Step Up?

In May of this year, the seventh largest police force in the nation became the first major police department in the United States to explicitly and voluntarily allow Sikh Americans to serve as full-time, uniformed police officers while keeping their articles of faith. We congratulate the entire community on this victory and encourage Sikh Americans to take full advantage of this opportunity.  Donate to SALDEF today to ensure we can continue making progress for the community.

How did it happen? The policy change was the result of an eight-year partnership between MPD and SALDEF. Since 2004, over 4,000 MPD officers have participated in cultural awareness training through SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program.  These one-hour, in person training sessions were held for classes of 50-60 officers every week. These trainings allowed us to build strong relationships with the police force and ultimately advocate for a pioneering policy change. Why is this important?

Ground breaking changes like this open employment opportunities for our community.  They allow us to show that our articles of faith do not prevent us from pursuing careers in any field.  Additionally, in the role of law enforcement, we can positively shape the image of Sikhs in America as we are seen protecting our neighbors and fellow Americans.

What is it worth to you? Nine years ago, Sikh Americans had to sue to become traffic enforcement officers.  Today, the Nation’s Capital is inviting all Sikh Americans to become full-time, full-fledged police officers. What is this kind of progress worth to you?

Donate Now!

You can help ensure that Law Enforcement Officials are educated about Sikhs by: Supporting our year-end fundraising drive with a 100% tax deductible donation today. Become a monthly donor and help us reach our year-end target of $150,000 with a generous contribution. Consider that your donation of: •    $250 – provides free informational materials during a training session

•    $500 – pays for a SALDEF member to travel to a city to conduct a training session

•    $1000 – supports distribution of 300 copies of SALDEF’s On Common Ground training video
Support us with a generous year-end donation or monthly donation so that we can expand this program and build a partnership with the police department in your city!