ICHRA

2012 Sikh Summit Voices Issues that affect the Sikhs in United States

Published by ICHRA on October 8, 2012

Highlights:

UNITED SIKHS leads over 20 meetings advocating for Sikh Civil and Human Rights with members of congress, Government agencies like Department of Justice(Civil Rights Division), FBI, State Department and White house officials
Discussions and dialogue revolved around the detrimental Societal Impact of Racial/ Religious Discrimination: Hate Crimes and General Xenophobia, TSA: Right to Turbans at Airports,Employment Discrimination (EEOC), Bullying Prevention; Right to Identity: Census: Recognition of Sikhs as Both a Religion & Ethnicity, Religious Accommodation, Freedom of Religion & Belief: Domestic & International
Pictures available here

Washington, DC: The Sikh community strongly voiced their concerns in Washington DC by meeting with over 20 members of Congress, the members of the Executive branch to advocate for Sikh civil and human rights at the 4th Annual Sikh Summit from Oct 1st â€“ Oct 3rd. In wake of the killings of six Sikhs in Wisconsin, Sikh members expressed their concerns and fears of the growing rate at which hate crimes against Sikhs and other people of color have increased alarmingly. In particular, the Sikh community faces a double tragedy; not only are their lives in danger because of the hate/bias but the hate crime itself goes unreported.

The major issues addressed were: hate crimes-focused primarily seeking an “Anti Sikh Category” in the forms, security at Gurdwaras, employment discrimination, inclusion of Sikhism in educational curriculum, TSA policies and Sikhs being able to serve the armed forces of the United States wearing their article of faith. The gathered Sikhs voiced their concerns singularly asking for recognition of who Sikhs are.

Harpreet Singh, Regional Policy Director-Ca said, “the Sikhs served in both world wars and are serving in the armed forces of UK, Canada and other countries. Why can’t they serve in US armed forces? The Sikhs look forward to working with the new government on this issue. The facts and circumstances of egregious violations of religious freedom internationally provided by the the United States Commission on International Religious (USCIRF) shouldn’t be side stepped by US foreign policy. The UNITED SIKHS Global Sikh Civil Rights Report highlights such violations by countries.”

Congresswoman Judy Chu (Ca-32), said “The Sikhs are a wonderful people and are a proud nation. I am glad to issue this proclamation on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Stockton Gurdwara”.

During each meeting, UNITED SIKHS staff and Sikh community members laid out these issues and discussed possible solutions. In the upcoming weeks, the UNITED SIKHS legal team will implement the next steps and actions items that were outlined at these meetings, in the hopes of working with government officials to further promote the rights of Sikhs across the nation.

“I look forward in assisting my fellow Americans. Wisconsin was a terrible tragedy. I have known the Sikh community for years and look forward to working with your team-members”, said Congressman Rush Holt, 12th district NJ.

At the Summit came stories of empowerment, activism and of various organizations. Members and policy experts shared personal stories and policy recommendations about the continuing impact of the post-9/11 backlash which was an opportunity and call to action for Sikh leaders across the nation. “Now its time to bring a positive change . We have lost enough lives, the Sikhs will support and vote for those that will protect the minorities and will adopt policies that bring in more jobs and stop the spreading of hate. ” said, Bhakshish Singh, former chair Guru Nanak Foundation and the Washington DC Gurdwara.

Sikhs narrated their personal stories to policy and law-makers. One of the Sikhs from Seattle said, “Every time I travel, I am asked to take off my turban, especially at the Los Angeles airport. I am pulled aside for hours and have to wait with no reason at all airports in the United States. The information with various airlines is disparate, for eg Alaska airlines says I am on the no-fly-zone list and Virgin Air allows me to board the flight after making me wait for 4 hours and making me lose my connecting flight. Hopefully authorities at TSA will listen to my plea “.

Birmohan Singh, regional Director of UNITED SIKHS, said “The President must make it a national priority to respond to violent domestic extremism, in ways consistent with our commitment to civil liberties. The US Congress owes to Harpreet Saini and those that were killed in the Wisconsin tragedy, the dignity of being an accountable statistic. Even if the agency recommends in October for an Anti Sikh Category, it will take a few years before it gets implemented, till then the Sikhs will be unaccounted for any hatecrimes against them.”

UNITED SIKHS is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of faith and for contributions to the advancement and protection of civil liberties. UNITED SIKHS thanks all members of Congress and government officials who took the time to meet with our delegations during the Sikh Summit.

Next steps and how you can get involved

Sign up for UNITED SIKHS e-mail list to be up to date on our current social justice initiatives. Contact UNITED SIKHS if you want to get involved and volunteer.

Make sure your local representative knows that you care about civil rights issues affecting Sikhs, be an advocate every day! You can use Write Your Rep to find out the name of your local officials and tell them you care about issues such as Bullying prevention, hate crimes, and racial/ religious profiling and also write to us at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org.

The Sikh Summit is only once a year, but civil rights advocacy is year round – we need to raise our voices all the time! Contact UNITED SIKHS to begin a dialogue about local issues with your representative by emailing us at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org or calling us at 646-688-3525.

Help UNITED SIKHS continue its mission to serve the community, by making your tax deductible donation today.

Contact:
Manvinder Singh, Director UNITED SIKHS
International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy
P: 646-688-3525, 973-980-2379, 888-243-1690
F: 810-88504264
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