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D.C.: An Unconventional Classroom

Learning is something I typically associate with schooling — the obligatory elementary, middle, high school and university schooling. This summer, however, redefined my definition of learning and expanded it to a much larger notion: we are students of life every

Empowering the Marginalized

On top of the Hill sits the legislative heart of our nation. Adorned by architecture of antiquity, it is the place where democracy is instilled and executed for the United States of America. Representatives and Senators from all states and

Oak Creek Remembrance Run

Earlier this week marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Oak Creek, WI gurdwara.  The Sikh community has come together to reflect and the actions we can take to prevent this tragedy from happening again.  Sangat has

My SikhLEAD Intern Experience

As a SikhLEAD intern in DC, I have definitely gained a lot from attending the multitude of networking events, speaker series, and activities throughout the summer. Working on the Hill has given me great perspective on the law-making process and

A DC Day: My Experiences in DC

My past few weeks in DC have been absolutely amazing and I have had some of the most incredible experiences with my SikhLead peers.
DC is a very fun, lively city, but also extremely professional-minded. As a rising junior in college

A New Perspective on an Old City

With other SALDEF and WLP interns meeting Rep. Ami Bera.

Reflections Of A Civil Rights Pilgrimage

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend my Spring Break travelling across the Deep South with a group of peers from my university. From Little Rock, Arkansas to Selma, Alabama to Jackson, Mississippi, we spent over 40

The Platform to Lead

It’s funny. As I was growing up, I had never thought of myself as a leader. I never wanted to be in business, didn’t really care for titles, didn’t see myself as the type of person to “rally the troops”,

Voices of Unity and Change

It’s one thing to complain about problems and another to actually step up and do something. Being caught up in school as a senior and work, I had become a person that complained about the problems, but did not step

In the midst of it all…

Inauguration weekend!
My name is Rajwinder Kaur and I’m a senior at UC Santa Cruz. I am currently interning for the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and came to D.C. through the UCDC program which is an extension of

Sangat

As I sat on my flight back to Los Angeles, I thought back over all the amazing places I had visited on my trip to Europe. Certain events immediately popped into my head: exploring windmills in Holland, bike riding through

How a Facebook Ad Changed My Life

Sitting one long and late night in the library, I was doing what every other passionate and dedicated student does: scrolling down my Facebook page. As I was indulging in my procrastination, an ad in the top right corner caught

One Young Sikh in America

Every morning on the way to school, Mom would recite Jap Ji Sahib with me, helping me navigate some of the more complex sounds.  Pauri by pauri, I memorized this prayer every day, and it became an essential part of

Sikh Scouts – Where the Kids Matter

I was in 7th grade when I saw smoke bellowing out of the Twin Towers from my history class, just a few blocks away from the site whose destruction would change so many lives. Even at that age, when I

Can I Live?

Jay-Z said it on Reasonable Doubt in 1996 and J-Cole said it on The Warm Up almost thirteen years later.
Eleven years after 9/11, the question still remains. Can I live? I’m constantly asked and harassed on the street for the

This is time for change…

Thoughts and reflections on WI shooting from a Sikh Youth perspective.

The Center of the Melting Pot

In front of the Capitol!
America is often hailed as the melting pot of the world as people from around the world converge here to form the American identity. While this is largely true, all too often, geographic discrepancies lead to

Norm Mineta…He’s Kind of a Big Deal

Purpose. A simple word that has been overcomplicated, over contemplated, and overcompensated. Purpose. An ordinary word that has the potency to push people to the brink of insanity, yet remains one of the most important questions that one can answer.

Exceeding My Expectations

As I packed my belongings for the summer and said goodbye to my family, I felt feelings of insecurity and hesitancy to live in an unfamiliar city for so long. But as I left home to fly to Washington D.C.

Hungry for Change

Stumbling into the meeting as the two most overdressed people in the room with suits, ties and turbans, it’s safe to say that Jasjit Singh and I made an entrance. We were at the Congressional Hunger Center near the Capitol

Learning to Lead

Six months ago if someone mentioned I might have an opportunity to live in Washington D.C. , meet hundreds of interns from around the country, and get to work with some of the most influential individuals in our government, I

Warming Up to DC

I’ve heard that DC is “the place to be” especially for young, politically driven individuals. When I first got here, however, it was anything but that for me. One day it’s 100 degree weather with air so thick you can

Wash. Post: Sikhism’s message is one of inclusion

As an advocate for the Sikh American community, I appreciate your coverage of a challenging and troubling time for one of our community members in Sterling [“Words and action,” Metro, March 26]. However, the article made two assertions

Sikh American Family Receives Death Threat

On February 28 a Sikh American family from Sterling, Virginia received a letter containing death threats addressed to ‘Turban Family’. This family has been the target of previous hate crimes as well. In 2003, while living in Gaithersburg, Maryland their home was vandalized with graffiti and they received two threatening letters. Then, in 2005, after moving to Leesburg, Virginia, they received two more death threats via mail.

My Summer Experience in DC

Attending a briefing by the Congressional Human Rights Commission on the rights of tribal and minorities in South Asia, researching an issue in order to draft a immigration reform bill, obtaining signatures from Congressional offices for a bill that your

SALDEF Meets with FBI Director Mueller

Last week, SALDEF met with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director, Robert S. Mueller III to discuss community concerns and encourage outreach to the Sikh American community. SALDEF spoke to Director Mueller specifically about the importance of creating a unique category to specifically identify hate crimes against Sikhs, improving training efforts for the FBI and increasing dialogue with the Bureau.

Sikh Gurdwara Vandalized; SALDEF Calls for Hate Crime Investigation

February 7, 2012—Late yesterday, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) called on local and federal authorities to initiate a hate crime investigation into the vandalism and defacing with graffiti of a gurdwara (Sikh congregational place of worship) on February 6, 2012 in Sterling Heights, MI.

We Spoke to the World

Guestblogged by LongHairedBeauty
Originally posted on Kaurista.com
Inspired doesn’t seem to cut it. SikhLead’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) was more than a retreat, a program, or any type of conference I have attended. I went in with no expectation. I walked away

Did you see the Sikhs on FX’s ‘Louie’?

The producers of the FX show “Louie” took the time to show the world that Sikhs are part of the American landscape.  In the episode, Louie is driving from New York City to Pennsylvania and comes across some Sikh American

How to Avoid “Random Selection” at Airports

We’ve all been through it. Being “randomly selected” at airports. If you haven’t personally, then maybe a brother, a cousin, or a friend has. After 9/11, it’s a reality that Sikhs with turbans have had to face. And most recently,

Can We Trust Law Enforcement?

Imagine calling 911 because a burglary had taken place at your house. The police show up, but instead of investigating the crime, they detain you and your family. This is what happened to Kawaljeet Kaur and her family in Harris

The Dream Act

Since its first introduction to the Senate floor, the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also called the DREAM Act, has often been associated with the Latino immigrant community of the United States. Fortunately, the bill would conditionally

Worship in the Workplace

On Tuesday, I was fortunate enough to accompany SALDEF’s Western Regional Director Bhupinder Kaur to a seminar hosted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in beautiful San Diego, California. The seminar was part of a two day conference held for

Shaping an Understanding of Religious Pluralism

The role of media in creating and reinforcing stereotypes. The issues surrounding the hyphenated name. The irony in America’s tendency to attract so many immigrants to the country while simultaneously pushing them away. These were just some of the topics

The Constitutionality of Religious Pluralism

America is the land of social gold – freedom. Our first amendment establishes the range of that freedom, stating “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of

The Insights of an Interfaith Panel

Hello SALDEF blog-readers!
I am back at SALDEF this summer interning at the recently opened LA office! That’s right, I get to work in the City of Angels all summer long, using the much berated LA public transportation system – which

TAKE ACTION: Stand-Up for Religious Diversity in the Workplace; End Discriminatory Treatment of Sikh American Paramedic

Since 2008, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, a Sikh American paramedic from New Mexico, has been discriminated against because of his religion. He has endured disparaging remarks and threats, and, in one incident, even physically assaulted. SALDEF is encouraging community members to protest the hospital administration’s illegal treatment of Mr. Khalsa by taking action.

Sikh American Paramedic Sues Hospital for Discrimination

Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico (ACLU-NM) filed charges with the New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Española Hospital and Presbyterian Health Services (PHS) for religious discrimination against a Sikh American. The plaintiff, Sahaj Singh Khalsa, alleges that hospital administrators actively discriminated against him because of his religion, made disparaging remarks, threats and, in one incident physically assaulted him.

UPDATE: Stop Arizona Governor From Removing Balbir Singh Sodhi Memorial

SALDEF encourages Americans to continue to voice their outrage to Governor Brewer and demand that she veto HB 2230 by the Monday deadline, at which point the bill becomes law. 

The bill proposes the removal of Mr. Sodhi’s name from the state’s 9/11 memorial and subsequently selling the memorial plaque as scrap metal.



Know Your Rights Forum held in Las Vegas

As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing effort to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to report a successful Know Your Rights (KYR) Forum hosted for the Sikh American community of Las Vegas and Clark County, NV in cooperation with the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh on Sunday, March 20th.

SALDEF Launches New Leadership Initiative – SikhLEAD

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is pleased to announce a national initiative called SikhLEAD – Sikh Leadership, Empowerment and Development. SikhLEAD aims to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated and enterprising group of young Sikh Americans as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

SALDEF Secures Apology From FBI Director For Misleading Remarks About Sikh Americans

In a letter to the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller has issued an apology and clarification for remarks linking Sikh Americans to terrorism at an intelligence conference in the Fall.

Campaign Update: Anti-Sikh Facebook Pages

Thanks to the community’s support, a handful of pages have been shut down resulting in over 700,000 facebook users no longer receiving Anti-Sikh messages. The majority of pages, however, are still active and spreading misinformation about Sikhs.

Sacramento Sikh Cab Driver Severely Beaten

Earlier today, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) called on local authorities and the FBI to initiate a hate crime investigation into a vicious attack on a Sikh American cab driver in Sacramento, who was allegedly called Osama bin Laden as he was attacked.

SALDEF Know Your Rights Forum to be Held in Los Angeles, CA

As a part of SALDEF’s ongoing effort to empower the community and strengthen partnerships with government, we are pleased to announce a Know Your Rights (KYR) Forum for the Sikh American community of Los Angeles County in cooperation with the Khalsa Care Foundation on Sunday, November 14th.

Oregon Speaker of the House, Dave Hunt

This year’s recipient of the Dalip Singh Saund Legislative Leadership Award is Dave Hunt, Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.
The award recognizes the contributions of an elected official in supporting the Asian American community. The award is named

Did you see the Sikh on FOX’s Glee?

Tuesday night, FOX’s top rated show, Glee, told the over 11 million Americans watching that Sikhs wear turbans.

Federal Law Protecting Religious Exercise Marks 10 Year Anniversary

Today marks the 10th anniversary of a landmark bill protecting the free exercise of religion.  The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) was signed in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. This law addresses two areas where conflicts between

Remembering ‘The Dream’

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where
they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Today marks the 47th anniversary of Rev.

NC Students: Get the Day Off for Vaisakhi

A new law, S.L. 2010-112, has gone into effect which requires public schools and colleges in North Carolina to give their students at least two days off during the academic year for religious observances.  Schools may require advance written notice

“Our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable”

“This is America.  And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable.  The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we

Fall Internships Available

The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and

Judge Stops Parts of Arizona Immigration Law: What Does it Mean?

As you can probably guess, we were pleased that Judge Susan Bolton stopped at least part of the problematic Arizona immigration law, SB 1070, from going into effect. SALDEF filed an amicus brief in the case brought by

Arizona’s Immigration Law: Why Should We Care?

In April, Arizona’s Governor signed SB 1070, a controversial law aimed at stopping illegal immigration.  A coalition of civil rights organizations filed suit challenging the law.  The case, Friendly House v. Whiting, argues that the law is unconstitutional.  Yesterday, the

SALDEF Retreat: West Coast meets East Coast

A weekend of hard work and solid communication, sprinkled with an appropriate amount of laughter, good food and numerous Starbucks runs. This was the SALDEF Retreat: West Coast meets East Coast. Parties involved? SALDEF Staff, Interns, Volunteers, and a few

Immigration Policy: An Oxford-Style Debate

Immigration policy. It’s been one of the most hotly debated issues in recent years and especially this year with the passing of Arizona’s SB1070. Should America provide amnesty for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country? Should we create

My Perfect Day

I love days where I’m running around, attending different events and activities, without enough time to even sit down and eat a proper meal. Today was one of those days.
9:09am: Wake up. Wait, 9am?! Realize that I was supposed

“Sikh Day” at the National Mall

The Smithsonian metro stop is always busy, mostly with tourists equipped with fanny packs and huge water bottles. Even without the fanny pack, you can tell they’re not from around here. They’re not dressed like “DC– ites”, in business/smart casual

US Social Forum

One of the key discussion points SALDEF highlighted was the unfair media coverage Sikhs faced in the days after 9/11. On the one hand, the simple case of misidentification of Sher Singh in Rhode Island as a terrorist made immediate news on outlets across the country – images of an innocent Sikh being taken off a train in handcuffs because he ‘looked suspicious’.

SALDEF Advocate Newsletter

In this month’s Advocate we discuss a SALDEF sponsored Job Fair in Boston, a meeting with the US Assistant Attorney General, attending a Congressional reception for Asian American Politicians, lobbying for WRFA on Capitol Hill, a new TSA Policy and we highlight an event put on by the UCLA Sikh Student Association

From Houston!

This weekend I attended the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) National Convention in Houston, TX. The conference focused on Asian and Pacific Islander Issues and brought together many Asian American groups to discuss the issues and learn from each other. In addition to presenting the South Asian and Sikh experience, I was able to learn more about Chinese culture.

A Day in the Life of…

Welcome to part two of my day at Becket Fund’s Freedom Summit. After a fancy lunch consisting of mostly finger foods, and some serious religious liberty talk, it was time for our tour of the Library of Congress. All I

A Religious State of Affairs – The Pledge of Allegiance

The Becket Fund is a non-profit law firm as well as a think-tank that defends the religious liberties of any and all faiths, domestically and internationally. Last Thursday, the Washington DC SALDEF team attended the Becket Fund’s Freedom Summit. When

Luck = Preparedness x Opportunity

Last night, fellow SALDEF intern Dilroop Kaur and I attended the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership Washington Leadership Program. Like every other agency in DC, the program has an acronym: CAPAL WLP. When booking the venue for the event,

Washington Leadership Program

On Saturday June 12, Navdeep Singh, former SALDEF intern and current volunteer extraordinaire, gave a presentation at the Washington Leadership Program (WLP). The WLP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the next generation of leadership from within the South Asian American community through innovative programs.

Tell South Carolina Senator Knotts You Are Not a “Raghead”

Yesterday, on a local internet talk show, South Carolina State Senator Knotts said the following about a candidate for governor in the upcoming elections in South Carolina, “We’ve already got a raghead in the White House, we don’t need another raghead in the governor’s mansion.”

Lobbying with Dan Burton

Hurrying along the white marble halls of the House Office building, we passed an extravagant fountain as well as a number of carved oak doors with columns prodigiously perched on either side. I couldn’t help but worry about the tax-payers money.

Welcome to the New SALDEF.org

Welcome to our new online home!
SALDEF is pleased to announce the launch of our new website, a resource for the Sikh American community.  Through the new website you will learn about our latest programs, find out about the issues facing

SALDEF Advocate

In this month’s newsletter we discuss the redesigned green cards, law enforcement training in Boston, Princeton Sikh Student Association Vaisakhi event, scholarship opportunities for college students and we remember Dr. Dorothy Height.

Congressional Reception for Asian American Politicians

Rep. Mike Honda (CA)
Attended a reception at the Capitol Building today for the members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. It was an opportunity to meet Congressmen and leading Asian American activists who are making a difference in

DOJ Visits GNFA in Maryland

Les Jin from the DOJ visits the GNFA sangat (May 2010).
Les Jin from the Department of Justice joined SALDEF this past week at the GNFA gurdwara in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Mr. Jin is one of the Senior Counsels in the

Meeting with the Assistant Attorney General

Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez (U.S. Department of Justice)
We met with Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez today.  He is the head of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice.
It was a chance for us to share some of

Turbans in the Courtroom

A Muslim woman recently lost her case where she was made to remove her hijab in Michigan state courtroom. In 2008, SALDEF and the ACLU of Texas settled a case where a Sikh man was asked to remove his

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.

Job Openings Available

SALDEF is pleased to announce the opening of three new positions. We are looking for experienced and dynamic candidates to fill the positions of Executive Director, Community Relations Associate/Manager and Grant Writer.

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

April: Baisakhi & Confederate History Month?

In April, Baisakhi is when Sikhs reflect on the creation of the Khalsa and the affirmation of ideals of liberty, equality, and justice for all humanity.
In April, Confederate History Month is when Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell believes that all Virginians

New Website & The SALDEF Blog

Welcome to our new website!  In the coming weeks we will be putting out new features and resources for you to use.  But for the moment take some time to explore the new website and let us know what you