Public Statement Condemning the Harassment and Discrimination at the Denver Airport directed against Sikh Passengers

We are deeply saddened and concerned by the incident yesterday, September 26 involving members of the Sikh faith who were subjected to hours of harassment at the Denver airport. The incident led to cancellation of their  flight tickets after refusing to remove their turbans at the security check..

This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by Sikhs and other minority communities in public spaces. The Sikh community has long been a part of the fabric of American society, contributing to its diversity and richness. Despite this, Sikhs continue to face bias and misunderstanding for our religious practices, such as wearing turbans, maintaining unshorn hair and carrying a Kirpan, all of which are anchors of the Sikh faith and as such, are  revered by the faithful.

The occurrence underscores a pressing need for greater awareness and education about Sikhism to prevent similar and more serious incidents in the future.

UNITED SIKHS, a global humanitarian and civil rights organization, calls on airport authorities and the concerned government agencies to take immediate and decisive action to investigate this incident thoroughly and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Furthermore, we appeal for appropriate measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers, regardless of their religious or cultural background. 

We also urge the implementation of sensitivity training for airport staff to better understand and respect the diverse communities they serve. It is imperative that measures are put in place to protect the Sikh Community and all minority groups from such reprehensible acts of discrimination. 

UNITED SIKHS stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, offering our support and resources through the International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA), our pivotal engine dedicated to advancing UNITED SIKHS’ civil and human rights mission. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat hate and discrimination, advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

We call on the public to stand with us in condemning this act of discrimination and to join us in promoting a society where everyone is treated with respect and equality.