SALDEF in the News
Sikh Priest Amarjit Singh Attacked Near Gurdwara in Central California
A Granthi at the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple Hughson, Amarjit Singh was attacked in the Gurdwara last Friday night. Singh was attacked July 25 night at his home opposite the Gurdwara by a suspect who broke several windows, punched him in the back of his neck, and then yelled ‘go back to your country,’ before racing off on foot.
ICE Force-Hydrating Indian Asylum Seekers in El Paso, Texas in Violation of Constitution, Say Immigrant Advocates
Three Indian nationals have been forced to receive IV drips at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas as they approach their third week of a hunger strike, according to their attorney. After several months of being locked up, the men are trying to appeal or reopen asylum claims that were denied and as of Sunday, they had gone 20 days without food. SALDEF along with other organizations is circulating a petition in Congress to stop the practice of intravenous forced hydration. The article includes SALDEF’s Media and Communications Director, Gujari Singh’s quote that “We have been telling detention centers about these issues for a long time, but we’re not seeing any change. People are still not being humanely treated.”
American Superhero: Sikh Captain America is enlisting more champions
Cartoonist Vishavjit Singh brings a distinctive look as Sikh Captain America, with his turban, long beard, glasses and brown skin stand in contrast to the way we’re used to seeing the fictional hero presented. Singh adds, “I want that image, that powerful image of me — skinny, glasses, turban, beard…I’m trying to confuse people to a certain extent, so they will start asking questions, so they will start exploring, so they’ll start asking why.” He’s helped break down barriers, educate people on the Sikh religion and challenged assumptions of who is American.
Recent News
Planning Commission takes up Sikh Temple expansion
The SolanoCounty Planning Commission in Fairfield, take part in a public hearing over the construction of a new 15,600-square-foot Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, more than twice the size of what is allowed under the current permit. The Gurdwara wants to expand its size to accommodate up to 600 people per weekly service, as well as increasing its parking, vehicle access.
Sikh Temple Will Highlight U.S Religious Pluralism At Lenexa Corner
A Gurdwara is being built to serve 150 families close to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesquite, Nevada. The president of the congregation, Swinder Singh commented that “It will be beautiful…“We are proud of being in this country and that they accommodate us.”
‘Rag Head’ Explores What It Means To Be An American, Honors Sikh Temple Shooting Victims
During the Oak Creek Gurdwara Shooting, seven years ago Sundeep Morrison’s parents, who usually go to that Gurdwara happened to have gone to a different Gurdwara that morning. Filled with anger, fear and sadness, the Los Angeles-based writer, actor, director, and activist began to write a story. “The story evolved into a one-woman show called Rag Head, which will be making its Milwaukee debut this weekend at the Broadway Theatre Center to benefit the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee.”
ICE is Detaining More People Than Ever—and For Longer
Between May and July of this year, the average number of days detainees spent in custody went from 28 to 46. Additionally, the number of people being held in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities reached an all-time high this week, as there are currently 55,185people in ICE’s custody, which represents a jump of almost 3,000 in comparison to just last week. Furthermore, the current number of people in custody far surpasses the number of occupied beds ICE should have.
GoDaddy appoints Aman Bhutani as CEO
GoDaddy and its Board of Directors have named a member of the Sikh community, Aman Bhutani as the company’s new CEO. GoDaddy’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wagner added that “Aman brings a wealth of experience to GoDaddy – an extraordinary track record in growing a scaled business, deep expertise in product and engineering, and strong delivery across go-to-market. Aman is an exceptional leader, and has created strong followings in every organization he’s led.” Before this position, Bhutani served as President of Brand Expedia Group.