Employment Discrimination and Harassment on the Rise
Washington D.C. – June 27, 2008: Whether it is at school, on the street, or in the workplace, Sikh Americans continue to face discrimination and harassment due to their Sikh identity. We must stand together to put an end to discrimination and harassment against Sikh Americans in the workplace and schools. In pursuit of this goal, please take a few moments to support the SIKH AMERICAN LITIGATION FUND to ensure that the Sikh American community has a dedicated fund to defend itself in times of need against discrimination and harassment. June 2008 – A Sikh American paramedic in New Mexico is facing potential job displacement due to an allegation that his beard would not allow him to wear a protective mask. May 2008 – A Sikh American woman in Virginia was fired from her job at a Fortune 500 company because of her resolve to wear her kirpan. April 2008 – A Sikh American man in North Carolina was refused a job by a convenience store chain because he purportedly did not have the “corporate look”. January 2008 – A Sikh American man in the Southwest was prevented from taking a post-secondary educational placement test due to his kara, daastar, and kirpan. Additionally, government agencies charged with protecting citizens from employment discrimination and harassment are often unable to respond promptly and effectively to the Sikh American community’s complaints of discrimination and harassment. “For too long, the Sikh American community has relied on the government to protect our civil rights, to protect our families, and to protect our children,” said SALDEF National Director Rajbir Singh Datta. “It’s time for each of us to recognize that we have the ultimate responsibility for defending ourselves, our community, and our children.” SALDEF urges all Sikhs to join us in defending your right to practice your Sikh faith without any discrimination, fear or consequences. Your donation of $50, $100, $250, $1000 will help establish a permanent Litigation Fund and enable Sikh Americans to combat employment discrimination and harassment. SALDEF urges the Sikh American community to report incidents of discrimination and harassment to SALDEF immediately at info@saldef.org or 202-393-2700.