Press Release

DC Police Department Releases New Uniform Rules to Accommodate Religious Practices

Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department Releases New Uniform Rules to Accommodate Religious Practices
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Washington, DC) Today, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) became the first major metropolitan police department in the country to allow Sikh Americans

2012 SALDEF Pocket Calendars: Order Yours Today!

Educate your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about Sikh Americans in an easy, informative way through our annual pocket calendars.

Virginia Family Receives Death-Threat Because of Religion

Virginia Family Receives Death-Threat Because of Religion: SALDEF Calls Upon FBI and Local Officials to Investigate Hate Incident
(3/2/12, Washington, DC)— This past Tuesday, February 28, 2012, a Sikh American family from Sterling, Virginia received a letter containing death

MI Gurdwara Vandalism Press Conference

PRESS RELEASE
(Sterling Heights, MI, 2/9/2012) — Tomorrow, the Sikh American community of the Greater Detroit area will be holding a press conference at the location of a vandalized Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) with a collection of interfaith and community

Take Action: Tell your Representative to End Racial Profiling!

December 12, 2011 (Washington, DC) –  The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) applauds Representative John Conyers (D – Michigan) for reintroducing The End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA) in the House of Representatives last week and urges all

SALDEF Calls on Authorities to Investigate Stabbing as Hate Crime

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

SALDEF Know Your Rights Forums to be Held Throughout California

The Know Your Rights program creates an open forum encouraging all Sikh Americans to understand their rights. As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing efforts to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a series

Las Vegas Police Department Develops Cultural Awareness Training Program

(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

Memorial for First 9/11 Backlash Murder Victim

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Washington, DC) – Ten years ago, on September 15,2001,  Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot and killed outside of his Mesa, Arizona, gas station in a misguided attempt at retaliation for the attacks on September

Sikh American Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Washington, DC) – The Sikh American community joins the nation in remembering all the victims of the tragic attacks on our country ten years ago on September 11, 2001, and in honoring all those

Sikh Paramedic Discriminated Against by NM Hospital

Discrimination Charges Filed with New Mexico Equal Opportunity Commission
(Washington DC, May 12, 2011) – Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico filed charges with the New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Española Hospital

AZ Governor Jan Brewer Should Veto Anti-Sikh Victim Legislation

Arizona Law Would Remove Sikh American Hate Crime Victim’s Name from 9/11 Memorial
(Washington DC, April 28, 2011) – Along with thousands of other Americans of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is

SALDEF Applauds Hate Crime Conviction in Attack of Sikh American Cab Driver

Yesterday, two assailants involved in the brutal attack of Harbhajan Singh in Sacramento, CA last November, admitted to committing a hate crime against the 56-year-old Sikh American cab driver.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Conference by Sacramento Sikh American Community in Wake of Deadly Shooting

Local Sikh Community to Hold Press Conference; Offer $10K Reward for Info on Shooting
March 6, 2011: Tomorrow, Monday, March 7, 2011, the Sacramento Sikh American community will be holding a press conference announcing a reward of

SALDEF February Advocate: Congressional Internships Available

SALDEF has partnered with congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Apply now to our Congressional Internship Program to 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. The application deadline for Summer 2011 is March 27. To learn more and apply, visit www.sikhlead.org.

Sikh American Statement on Obama’s visit to ‘Golden Temple’

“We call upon President Obama to rise above the politics of fear and visit the Harmandir Sahib, commonly referred to as the Golden Temple, on his trip to India.  The religious site stands for many of the same ideals as

SALDEF Encourages All Sikh American Citizens to Register to Vote Before Deadlines

SALDEF urges all Sikh American citizens to take this opportunity to ensure that every Sikh American fulfills this vital civic duty and VOTE on November 2nd!

SALDEF Commends Hate Crime Charge in Seattle Attack

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) commends Seattle area prosecutors for charging Brock Stainbrook with a hate crime following his attack on a Sikh convenience store employee – Mr. S (identity kept confidential) – in Queen Anne

Statement on SC State Sen. Jack Knotts Use of the Term “Raghead”

June 4, 2010 (Washington, D.C.) — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, calls on South Carolina Republican State Senator Jake Knotts to apologize,

SALDEF Discusses Post 9/11 Challenges at City Club of Cleveland

The Panel discussion featured Dr. I.J. Singh, author of four books about Sikhs in the US and Canada, Paramjit Singh, City Club Special Program member, and Jasjit Singh, Associate Executive Director of SALDEF.

SALDEF Remembers Life and Contributions of Dr. Dorothy Height

Yesterday the civil rights community, and the country lost a pioneering voice for civil, women’s, and human rights. Dr. Dorothy Height, passed away at the age of 98 from natural causes.

Donate Now to Ensure Continued Support for Sikh Advocacy

Repealing an 87-year old law is hard work. There are countless hours spent understanding the issue, defining strategy, building partnerships, engaging the media and of course, writing letters and calling lawmakers

Public Justice Files Employment Discrimination Suit on Behalf of Sikh American Man

An Indianapolis man who practices the Sikh faith was denied a job because of his religious practices — a violation of federal civil rights laws — according to a federal lawsuit filed today by Public Justice and its co-counsel Kim Jeselskis.
The

National Sikh Organization Rejects ‘Gaping Hole’ in Oregon Discrimination Bill

July 14, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Today, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)—the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—urged Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski to veto a bill that effectively rubber-stamps a

SALDEF Congratulates San Diego School District For Resolution of Incident

SALDEF to partner with Poway Unified School District on Anti-Bullying Program
Washington DC; January 15, 2009 — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, has entered

India Herald Apologizes to Sikh Community for Offensive Cartoon

Washington, DC: June 30, 2009 – Following the publication of an offensive comic strip earlier this month by India Herald, SALDEF and the Texas Sikh community have secured a formal apology from the newspaper’s editor.

In the June

Maryland Attorney General Targets Religious Freedom

June 10, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Yesterday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) called upon Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler to modify a legal opinion that endangers the religious freedom of observant Sikh Americans and members of

First Oklahoma, Now Minnesota Proposes Unjust Legislation

Proposed Minnesota law threatens Sikh turbans in driver’s license photos
Washington DC; March 4, 2009— Yesterday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, called upon Minnesota

Invest Your Tax Refund in Sikh American Civil Rights

April 6, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) — The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, cannot survive without your support.  Please consider investing your tax refund in

Religious Freedom Under Attack in Oklahoma

Proposed law will forbid all religious headcoverings in driver’s license photos; SALDEF urges interfaith groups and civil rights organizations to stand together and support religious freedom
Washington DC; March 3, 2009—This morning, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF),

Possible Abuse Against Sikh American at Los Angeles Airport

Sikh Traveler Humiliated at Los Angeles Airport

SALDEF outraged by allegations of verbal abuse and inappropriate touching by TSA officials
Washington DC; February 23, 2009  – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest Sikh American civil rights

State of Indiana Announces Driver License Photo Changes

SALDEF concerned about the effects of new policy on Sikhs, Muslims, Jews
Washington DC – December 9, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United

National Organizations Protest Expulsion of Turban-Wearing Sikh American from North Carolina Charity

Washington, DC, December 8, 2008, – On Friday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, in concert with 13 national interfaith and civil

Youth Assailants in California Learn About Sikh Americans

SALDEF and San Jose Gurdwara partner to rehabilitate youth
Washington, DC – October 14, 2008: Over the past several months, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization,

Youth Assailants in California Learn About Sikh Americans

SALDEF and San Jose Gurdwara partner to rehabilitate youth
Washington, DC – October 14, 2008: Over the past several months, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization,

Victory for Sikhs in Texas

Dallas County agrees to adopt SALDEF guidelines in settlement of lawsuit filed on behalf of Sikh American man
Washington, DC – September 18, 2008: Yesterday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American

Critically Acclaimed Documentary ‘Divided We Fall’ Screens Nationwide

SALDEF urges all Americans to attend or host screenings in September
Washington D.C. – August 29, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is proud to be an organizational sponsor of the over 60 screenings occurring throughout September

Sikh American Gunned Down in Phoenix, Arizona

SALDEF urges swift police response and community vigilance
Washington, DC – August 10, 2008: On August 4, 2008, SALDEF was alerted to the vicious murder of 62-year-old Mr. Inderjit Singh Jassal, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Last Monday, Mr. Jassal was working at a

US Congress Approves Higher Education Bill

Reauthorization includes increased hate crime data collection provisions
Washington, DC – August 1, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization in the United States, applauds the United States Congress

New Religious Discrimination Guidelines Released by EEOC

SALDEF welcomes new compliance guidelines
Washington D.C. – July 25, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) commends the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for releasing new guidelines regarding religious discrimination in the workplace.  The new guidelines are intended

Sikh American Asked to Remove Turban at Airport during Holiday Weekend

SALDEF urges Sikh Community to immediately report all airport screening concerns
Washington, D.C. July 10, 2008 – During the July 4 weekend, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) learned of an incident at an Indiana airport where a Sikh

HATE CRIME ALERT: New Mexico Family Become Victims of Bias Crime

Washington D.C. – June 5, 2008: Last week, a Sikh family in Albuquerque, New Mexico awoke to find their vehicle had been defaced in an act of racist vandalism.
Mr. and Mrs. Singh, who have asked to maintain their anonymity, awoke

Sikh Graduate Student Falls Victim to Texas Hate Attack

SALDEF works with local authorities to ensure attack is classified as hate crime
Washington D.C. – April 11, 2008: A Sikh graduate student at Texas A & M University was viciously attacked by an unknown individual in Bryan, TX and had

Boston Police and Sikh American Community Achieve Landmark Partnership

Year-Long Campaign Trains Entire Boston Police Force
Washington, D.C. – December 11, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, concluded a highly successful year-long campaign to train the

Hate Crime Victims Receive Little Congressional Support

SALDEF Expresses Disappointment with Congressional Defeat of Landmark Hate Crimes Legislation
Washington, D.C. – December 7, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, today expressed its extreme disappointed

State of Oregon Apologies to Sikh American Denied Driver’s License due to Turban

SALDEF continues its campaign to address discriminatory DMV policies against the turban
Washington, D.C.– October 24, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, received a formal

Maryland Teens Arrested in Burtonsville Hate Crime

SALDEF commends Montgomery County Police for efforts in apprehending alleged perpetrators
Washington, DC: October 4, 2007 – Yesteday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nations oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, was informed

SALDEF Applauds Passage of Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Senate will help protect victims of hate crimes
Washington, DC: September 27, 2007 –- This morning the Senate passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA). The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s

Two Elderly Sikh Americans Men Suffer Vicious Attack in Maryland

FBI asked to probe possible hate crime; Community urged to continue reporting similar incidents UPDATES (9/24/07):

Statement from the Montgomery County Police Department: “Investigated as a possible hate crime”

Washington D.C. – September 20, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and

Congressional Leaders Express Concern over TSA Screening Policy

Leading Sikh organizations continue to engage TSA
Washington D.C. – September 17, 2007 : In response to the concerns of the Sikh American community and the efforts of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh

Sikh American Groups Meet with TSA about Turban Screening Policy

TSA Commits to First Steps; Erroneous New Policy Remains in Effect
Washington D.C. – September 12, 2007: On Monday, representatives from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS, met with officials from the

Utah Establishment Apologizes to Sikh American Denied Entry

Washington D.C. – August 31, 2007: Last week, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, received a formal apology from Club Habits after denying entry to

ACLU Files Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Dallas Judge

Judge Improperly Demanded Sikh American Man Take Off His “Hat” In Courtroom
Washington D.C. – August 31, 2007: The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed a lawsuit today in Dallas County District Court on behalf of Amardeep Singh, against the

TSA Administrator Contacts SALDEF in Response to Sikh American Community Concerns

TSA expresses desire to work with community on Turban screening policy
Washington D.C. – August 30, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, received a call

New Airport Security Screening Procedure Affects Sikh Turban

SALDEF meets with TSA to address community concerns and complaints
Washington D.C. – August 24, 2007: On Wednesday the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights organization, met with the Transportation

Sacramento County Files Hate Crime Charges in case of Slain Sikh American

Satendar Singh’s alleged murderer flees the United States
Washington, DC – August 14, 2007 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, commends the Sacramento County

SALDEF participates in Department of Homeland Security Roundtable

Secretary Chertoff Engages with Arab, Muslim and Sikh American Youth Leaders
Washington D.C. – August 2, 2007: Last week, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) participated in a roundtable discussion, Security and Liberty: Perspective of Young Leaders Post-9/11,

Sikh American Hate Crime Victim Removed from Life Support

SALDEF and CAIR condemn senseless act of violence
Washington, DC – July 16, 2007 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) are saddened about the death last week of Mr. Satendar

SALDEF Urges Sikh American Community to be Vigilant against Hate Crimes during 4th July Holiday

26 year-old Sikh American lies in critical condition after being attacked on July 3rd
Washington D.C. – July 5, 2007:  The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights and advocacy organization, urges the entire

SALDEF Urges Sikh Religious Leaders to Support Hate Crimes Bill

SALDEF Encourages Community Action on Hate Crime Prevention
Washington D.C. – June 9, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) strongly urges all Sikh Religious Leaders to sign on to an interfaith letter in support of The

Washington, DC Area Organizations Sponsor Free Immigration Legal Clinic

Clinic and Presentation to Address and Advise South Asians on Immigration-Related Concerns
Washington D.C. – June 7, 2007: In order to help navigate the complex web of immigration and naturalization law, six leading national and local South Asian advocacy organizations are

SALDEF Welcomes Congressional Legislation on Hate Crimes

Sikh American Community Encouraged to Contact Local Legislators to Support Important Bill
Washington D.C. – March 21, 2007:  The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights advocacy organization, today applauds Congress for taking

Potential cadet allegedly told that beard had to go

By Rob Young/Appeal-Democrat

A 19-year-old Sikh man was told he would have to shave off his beard to qualify for the Yuba City Police Department’s cadet program, a national Sikh rights group said Wednesday.
Police Chief Richard Doscher differed somewhat with the

Yuba City Police Chief Apologizes to Sikh American Denied Employment

SALDEF works with city officials to defend the rights of the Sikh American student
Washington D.C. – March 7, 2007: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, received a

Turmoil over turban no feather in bar’s cap

The great thing about the OC Turban Flap is this: The actual damage is microscopic, while the underlying principle can be pumped up to Brown vs. Board of Education proportions.
The “victim” is not physically or financially injured, but the implications

Sikh wants apology from bar owner

He was denied entry for wearing a turban
By Lisa Petrillo
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
February 9, 2007
A turban-wearing Rancho Bernardo medical school student claims he was discriminated against when he was turned away from a popular college hangout. The bar in Orange County

Sikh student says OC bar kept him out due to turban

COSTA MESA, Calif. – A national Sikh-American advocacy group has asked a bar for an apology and a policy change after its owner allegedly refused to let a man enter because his turban violated a dress code prohibiting hats.
“This is

A Costa Mesa bar is criticized for turning away a Sikh medical student wearing a turban.

By JEFF OVERLEY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
COSTA MESA – Is a turban the same as a hat?
That question has stoked a debate about religious freedom that’s pitting a local medical student against a Costa Mesa nightclub.
Sanjum Paul Singh Samagh, a 24-year-old

Costa Mesa Restaurant Denies Entry to Sikh American Man Due to his Religious Affiliation

Washington, D.C., February 2, 2007 — On January 25 2007, Mr. Sanjum Paul Singh Samagh, a first year medical school student at the University of California – Irvine Medical School (UCI SOM), was denied entrance to the Pierce Street Annex

Virginia Restaurant Apologizes to Sikh American for Wrongfully Denying Entry to Restaurant Because of Turban

Owner pledges to ensure all staff are made aware of religious exemption to ‘no-hats’ rule
On December 1, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) received a formal apology from the Richbrau Brewing Co. restaurant in Richmond, VA for

RICHMOND Brewpub shuts out turban wearer

BY PAIGE MUDD
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Nov 26, 2006

Sikh businessman turned away from restaurant in dispute over head covering
A Sikh software executive visiting family in the Richmond area was denied entry Friday night to a popular Shockoe Slip

SALDEF Condemns Congressional-hopeful’s Remarks Linking Sikh Turban with Terrorism

Washington DC, August 31, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) today condemns comments made by Wisconsin U.S. House of Representative’s Republican Candidate Paul R. Nelson indicating that individuals who wear a turban and individuals named

Carteret Board of Education to Review Improper Immigration Questions on School Registration Forms

NJ Sikh American community advised not to answer questions related to immigration status
Carteret, New Jersey – The Carteret, NJ city Board of Education at a meeting on August 24, 2006, agreed to review the school re-registration form for the Carteret

SALDEF’s 10th Anniversary Banquet

SALDEF’s 10th Anniversary Celebration & Leadership Conference
Celebrating 10 years of Service to the Sikh American Community
June 18-19, 2006
Register Now for SALDEF’s Leadership Conference and 10th Anniversary Banquet
•    Meet Sikh Canadian Member of Parliament Honorable Navdeep Singh Bains, U.S. Congrssman Michael

SALDEF Celebrates a Decade of Advocacy, Empowerment and Outreach on Capitol Hill

Tremendous Gathering Features SALDEF Awardees and Commemorates 10 years of Service to Sikh Americans
Washington, D.C. – On June 19, 2006 Sikhs from across the country along with elected officials and honored guests, gathered to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Sikh

Domino’s Pizza Affirms Sikh Employee’s Right to Wear Turban at Work

Issues Apology; Reiterates Religious Accommodation Policy
Washington, DC, May 16, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) successfully resolved the issue of a Sikh American gentleman who was disallowed from wearing his daastar – or turban —

SALDEF’s 2006 Annual Banquet & National Leadership Conference—Celebrating 10 years of Service to the Sikh American Community

On June 19, 2006 the Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), along with their coalition partners and Sikhs from across North America will gather on Capitol Hill to commemorate SALDEF’s

SALDEF Seeks to Address U.S. Naturalization Delays

Community called on to provide information to help in addressing concerns
Washington, DC, May 2, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is calling on the Sikh American community to contact us if you or someone you know

Know Your Rights Forum Held at Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA), Silver Spring, MD

Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the management of the Guru Nanak Foundation of American (GNFA) have invited several government officials to participate at a community forum this Saturday, January 28, 2006. The

Over 100 National and Local Organizations join SALDEF and ADC in Opposition

Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) alarmed by the current campaign associating the wearing of a turban and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) with terrorism.
SALDEF, ADC and over 100

Gurdwara vandalized in Bakersfield; Sikh Cab driver fatally shot in Richmond

SALDEF Contacts Law Enforcement Officials Demanding Swift and Thorough Action
Washington, DC – On December 22, 2005, the members of Guru Angad Darbar Gurdwara (place of congregational worship), located in Bakersfield, CA, awoke to find two pig heads thrown in front

Religious Freedom Bill Discussed In Congress

For Immediate Release
December 6, 2005
Contact: Kavneet Singh
info@saldef.org
202-393-2700
SALDEF Urges Passage of Religious Freedom Legislation
Washington, DC – Last month the House Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations held a briefing on the Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2005 (WRFA). This piece of legislation would

SALDEF Congratulates House for Passing Hate Crimes Bill

Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, applauds members of the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act

SALDEF Participates in National Day of Prayer at White House

Washington, DC – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) participated in the National Day of Prayer at the White House today. The event, hosted by President George W. Bush, was attended by SALDEF Vice Chair Manjit Singh

Sikh American Community Urged to Contact Congress about Religious Freedom

SALDEF Conducts Congressional Briefing, Urges Sikh Americans to Contact Congress about Religious Freedom
April 8, 2005–A critical piece of legislation for the Sikh American community, the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) of 2005 (Senate Bill 677/House Bill 1445), is again being

SALDEF Co-sponsoring Community Forum with California Attorney General

Community Advisory
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2005
Contact: Kavneet Singh
Click here to email
202-393-2700 Ext. 29
SALDEF Co-sponsoring Community Forum with California Attorney General
Northern California Residents Encouraged to Attend
Fremont, CA— A community forum will be held in Fremont next week to discuss issues affecting

Vigil Organized to Support Sikh Family Victimized by Arson in Northern California

SALDEF Joins Other Community Organizations to Show Support
Concord, CA — Over 150 Bay Area community members came together Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil held to support the Anands, a Sikh American family residing in Concord, who had their home

Candlelight Vigil Scheduled to Support Sikh Family Victimized by Arson

Bay Area Residents Encouraged to Attend Next Week
Concord, CA—A candlelight vigil will be held to show support for the Anands, a Sikh American family residing in Concord, who had their home robbed and burned down in a confirmed act of

Irish Sikh in new MTA flap

Kevin Harrington, the Irish-American Sikh who was briefly taken off his post as a subway motorman last year because he wears a turban to work, is back in hot water after a series of new developments. New York City transit

National Organization Launches as Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Event Marking Shift from SMART includes National Civil Rights Leaders, Awards Presentation
Washington, DC— The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) officially launched in Washington, DC today, changing from the previous name of the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task

California Legislator Sponsors Hearings about Issues Affecting Sikh Americans

SMART Encourages California Sikh Community to Attend
California State Assembly Member Judy Chu will convene the Assembly Select Committee on Hate Crimes for a hearing entitled, “Hate Crimes in the Sikh American Community,” in both Northern and Southern California. The Sikh

Delta Airlines Reaches Agreement with Sikh American Alleging Harassment, Profiling

SMART Expresses Satisfaction, Encourages Sikh Americans to Report Discrimination
Washington, DC – Delta Airlines and its regional carrier recently reached an agreement with a Sikh American passenger, Hansdip Singh Bindra, who filed a lawsuit alleging racial profiling, intimidation and harassment during

New York City Agencies Sued by Justice Department for Discrimination against Sikh American, Other Employees

Washington, DC: The U.S. Department of Justice informed SMART today that it is filing a lawsuit against the agencies that operate the New York City subway and bus system for alleged discrimination against a Sikh American and others who wear

Assistant Attorney General Acosta Meets with Sikhs in Atlanta; Addresses Discrimination in Schools

SMART’s Meetings with High-ranking Government Officials Yielding Results across the U.S.
Washington, DC—Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights R. Alexander Acosta visited a Sikh gurdwara in Atlanta, GA last week to discuss continued collaboration between the federal government and the Sikh

Sikh American Student Seeks Answers from Secret Service about Detention before DNC

SMART Coordinating with Student, Law Enforcement
Boston, MA – Following the seven-hour detention of a Sikh American student by the Secret Service before the Democratic National Convention this week, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) is working with the

SMART Welcomes Senate Approval of Strengthened Hate Crimes Legislation

Washington, DC – SMART today applauded the Senate for approving the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (LLEEA) as an amendment to the Department of Defense authorization bill on Tuesday. If enacted, the amendment would strengthen existing hate crimes laws to

SMART Concerned about Possible Hate Crimes Following Saudi Arabia Murder

Organization Expresses Condolences, Encourages Community to Exercise Caution
Washington, DC — Following news reports that Paul M. Johnson, Jr. has been beheaded in the Middle East, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) expresses its condolences to the victim’s family.
According

Sikh American New York City Subway Train Operator Re-instated with Turban

SMART Encourages Passage of Pending Federal ‘Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA)’
Washington, DC – The New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) yesterday re-instated a Sikh American subway operator after re-assigning him last week for violating its “no hats” policy by

Second Shooting at Northern California Gurdwara Being Investigated By Law Enforcement

SMART Notifies FBI, Coordinating Local Response
Fairfield, CA – Following the second shooting in the last two weeks at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara (place of worship) in Fairfield, CA, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), is coordinating a response

Educational Testing Service Apologizes to Sikh Woman; Agrees to Issue Guidelines Regarding Religiously Mandated Head-Coverings

SMART Encourages Community to Report Incidents, Exercise Their Rights
Washington, DC – Following an incident where a Sikh woman was prevented from taking an entrance exam by her proctors because she was wearing a turban, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) apologized