SALDEF in the News
Experts talk about risks at city houses of worship
During a forum in Fort Wayne, Indiana more than 100 people from law enforcement learned the evolution of hate crime legislation, what constitutes as hate or bias crime, and what kind of punishment can be delivered to those who harm or threaten to harm worshipers. The article mentions that “several temple members accompanied Satnam Singh, community relations manager for the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund based in Washington, D.C., to the forum.”S
Sikh American to be first in Air Force allowed to keep turban and beard on active duty
The Sikh American Legal Defense Fund’s Thursday press release conveyed that for the first time in history, the U.S. Air Force has granted a religious accommodation to a Sikh airman. Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa will be allowed to keep his beard and long hair and wear a turban during active duty. To this monumental decision, Singh commented ‘”Today, I feel that my country has embraced my Sikh heritage, and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity.”’
Recent Events
Sikh community members return to West Chester crime scene; son leads fight for justice
On Friday evening, the sangat of the Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati marched for justice from the apartment complex where the murders happened to the Gurdwara. The sangat is still waiting for justice for the four Sikh family members that were murdered in their home early last month.
Gallery: Sikh Memorial Day honors genocide victims at Otis Library
A photo gallery has been released of a community gathering in Norwich, Connecticut to honor victims of the 1984 genocide on Sikh Memorial Day. The gallery shows glimpses of the Sikh Genocide Memorial recently completed in the Otis Library.
Turban Day: combating misinformation through conversations about Sikh and Punjabi culture
Sewa at the University of Washington hosted a Turban Day to combat misconceptions of the turban and spark conversations between attendees and volunteers about Sikhism, The club’s leadership hopes to “further the mission of Turban Day by discussing traditionally taboo subjects like mental health at their open general meetings and by allying with other misrepresented communities to foster understanding.”
Sikh Americans Remembers American & Sikh Soldiers in 2019 Memorial Day Parade at Springfield, Ohio
The local Sikh Community in Dayton, Ohio participated in the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. Sameep Singh Gumtala, a social activist who has been taking part in the parade for the past 9 years, commented that “Hosting a float at the parade is also an opportunity to educate people about the contribution of Sikhs in World Wars.”
‘Thor is shaking’: Sikh group’s performance on America’s Got Talent leaves all speechless
The Bir Khalsa Group performed a daring act, with blindfolded Kawaljit Singh attempting to smash the fruits placed around Jagdeep Singh on America’s Got Talent. The group has been featured in many talent shows and has a Guinness World record for smashing the most number of coconuts placed around a person blindfolded.
Mass Shootings Change How Americans Deal with Tragedy
Pardeep Singh Kaleka has examined reactions to mass shootings across multiple communities. The number of U.S. mass shootings has been increasing over the recent years, and the most recent attack happened last Friday when a gunman killed 12 people in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The article further explains the effects of these shootings on survivors and community members.
Barack Obama Sends Sweet Message To Sikh Man Wearing Rainbow Turban For Pride
In honor of Pride month, Jiwandeep Kohli, a Sikh, bisexual baker and brain scientist posted a picture of a rainbow turban. The picture went viral on Twitter and Former President Barack Obama retweeted the post by writing “You’ve got a lot to be proud of, Jiwandeep. Thanks for everything you do to make this country a little more equal. Turban looks great, by the way…”
ICE will increase family deportations, according to acting director Mark Morgan
Mark Morgan, the new top immigration official signaled Tuesday that his agency is looking to step up deportations of families who are in the United States illegally. Morgan claimed that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will continue to prioritize deportations of people with criminal histories, but no one will be exempt from enforcement.
McCarran among airports with most TSA civil rights complaints
Nevada’s McCarran International Airport has the distinction of being on a top 10 list for allegations of violations of civil rights and civil liberties. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee’s panel, asserted that TSA’s technologies regularly alarm on certain populations — such as Sikh passengers, African American women, and transgender people — leading to “increased delays and pat-downs.”
Upcoming Events
June
01 – SikhLEAD New Jersey Orientation
15 – SikhLEAD DC Orientation
July
17 – Langar on the Hill at the Senate Hart Building from starting at 4 pm
18 -SikhLEAD Networking Reception TBD
As always, we’re on the frontlines. We are making sure that our community’s concerns and needs are being addressed. Whether it’s training and recruiting new volunteers, passing legislation to condemn hate crimes, or holding events such as Know Your Rights Forums, we exist to serve you.
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