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Current Coalition News
Dastaar Documentary Screened in Dallas; Additional Screenings in Silver Spring, Maryland and New York City
 On May 29, “Dastaar: Defending the Sikh Identity” by filmmaker Kevin Lee was screened at the Dallas Museum of Art. “Dastaar” will also be screened on June 15 at the American Film Institute as part of the Silverdocs Film Festival in Silver Spring, Maryland. The documentary will also show in New York City at the Asian American Film Festival on July 21.
 The documentary presents the struggle of the Sikh American community to overcome the hatred, fear and intolerance it faces from fellow Americans because of an essential symbol of the Sikh faith: the dastaar. It explores how media imagery fuels the association of the turban with terrorism, leading to widespread discrimination against Sikhs. Additionally, it highlights in part the Sikh Coalition's work to defend the civil rights of Sikhs.
At both venues, the documentary is one of the finalists the Best Documentary Short Award. [More information on the Dallas Screening ]
ENSAAF and ACLU File Lawsuit to Protect Religious Liberty of Imprisoned Asylum Seeker
ENSAAF, the American Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati filed a lawsuit in federal court on May 18 challenging restrictions placed on Harpal Singh (Cheema), which prevent him from wearing his dastaar while being held in a United States immigration detention facility. Yuba County California jail authorities will not permit Harpal Singh to leave his bed with his head covered. Harpal Singh has been imprisoned since 1997 while awaiting a decision on his asylum application. The Sikh Coalition filed an amicus brief in his asylum case in 2003.
Coalition Speaks at NYDIS Disaster Preparedness Summit
 New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) held its second annual Clergy Preparedness Summit on May 16 with 140 religious leaders from various faith communities in attendance. Rev. Susan Lockwood, Director of Disaster Planning and Training, said, "The bottom line of ministry is it's always all about the people, about people who are empowered. Preparing for terrorism and other emergencies is empowering." She also stressed that spiritual leaders become resources in times of crisis.
Joseph Bruno (pictured), Commissioner of the NYC Office of Emergency Management, and Lloyd Sederer, Executive Deputy Commission of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, were featured speakers. The Coalition’s Legal Director spoke on the vital role of religious leaders in working to mitigate and prevent backlash violence against minority communities in the wake of a disaster.
The Coalition thanks NYDIS for organizing the workshop and for its commitment to ensure a voice for minority religious traditions to be a part of the dialogue on disaster relief and prevention.
Sakhi to Hold 8th Annual March Against Violence in Jackson Heights
On Saturday, June 18th, Sakhi and its partners, friends and supporters, will march in the heart of our community – Jackson Heights – to demonstrate that violence affects every aspect of our lives, and that we can end it – and prevent it. We invite YOU to join in saying NO to violence.
This is Sakhi’s 8th Annual March Against Violence! Survivors of domestic violence, Mayor’s Office representatives, Sakhi’s community-based partners, volunteers and staff members will be part of the march, which will be followed by a Speak Out on domestic violence. The march is a public demonstration and a call to everyone to get involved in ending and preventing violence in the home. The Sikh Coalition strongly encourages members of the Sikh community to participate in the march and support Sakhi’s programs to end domestic violence.
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