The Sikh Coalition Newsletter

Justice for All - The Weekly Newsletter
Jeth 20, Nanakshahi Samvat 534
June 3, 2002
Volume 10

Sikh Coalition Announces Internship Program
The Sikh Coalition Internship Program begins on June 24. This program is an opportunity for dedicated individuals to take part in a structured, focused 8-week internship in one of the Coalition program areas. The internship program offers the chance for qualified students and graduates to conduct important and meaningful work for the benefit of the Sikh community. Those interested are encouraged to complete the official application available at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/internship.asp

Register Today For Sikh Network Gurmat Retreat From June 13 To 16
The theme of this summer's retreat is built around Internal and External Challenges facing the Sikh Panth. There will be a number of informative, yet fun, interactive and discussion-oriented workshops including morning and evening divaans. You are encouraged to bring your skills and share them with others. The retreat will take place at Lohgarh Campsite in Chambersburg, PA from June 13th (9PM) to June 16th (2PM), 2002. Individuals ages 18 and up can register by going to http://www.sikh.org/snet

Chicago Event: Rally Against Injustice In India On June 8
The interfaith rally, sponsored by the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago, will be held on June 8, 2002 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago. This rally will commemorate all innocent people who have suffered injustice in India. The rally will feature speakers from the Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and Dalit communities, followed by a reading of testimonies and a prayer vigil. The program will conclude with an interfaith prayer and a community meal. For more information please email chicagorally@sikhcoalition.org or visit http://www.sikhcoalition.org/chicagorally

Coalition Announces Success On Recognition of Sikh Religious Days In NJ
The state of New Jersey’s Education Department’s official list of holidays now includes several Sikh days of observance, based on the Nanakshahi calendar. This accomplishment represents a tremendous step forward for the Sikh community and is the result of outstanding work by several individuals. To view the Sikh days of observance now officially recognized by the state of New Jersey, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/njded/genfo/holidays.htm

Department of Justice Publishes Important Brochure in Punjabi
The Sikh Coalition is pleased to announce that the Department of Justice has published a brochure on Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination in Punjabi, Farsi, and Hindi.

Harpreet Singh of The Coalition assisted the Department of Justice in translation of the brochure into Punjabi. We are pleased to announce that copies of the brochure in Punjabi have already arrived at a number of Gurdwaras across America.

The Coalition would like to thank Ralph Boyd, Jr., Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division and the entire Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for listening and responding to the concerns of the Sikh, Arab, Muslim and South Asian American communities.

A press release issued by the Department of Justice stated, "Publishing our brochure in Farsi, Hindi, and Punjabi will increase the number of people we can reach with important information about national origin discrimination and how to file complaints," said Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "These languages are spoken by some of the national origin groups most affected by discrimination in the aftermath of September 11. We hope that by publishing this brochure in these languages, we can help protect and vindicate their civil rights."

The brochures can be downloaded from the Civil Rights Division's website at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/legalinfo/nordwg_brochure.html and printed copies of the brochure can be requested by contacting the Civil Rights Division at (202) 616-9966


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