The Sikh Coalition Newsletter

Justice for All e-Newsletter
October 18, 2005
Volume 40

Continuing Advocacy on NY City Council Bills: 25 Council Members Now Endorse Bills, 41 NY Organizations Join Coalition’s Efforts
The Sikh Coalition continues its advocacy efforts for the passage of groundbreaking legislation that will address issues directly effecting Sikhs. The City Uniform Anti-Discrimination Bill (Introduction No. 577) and the Backlash Mitigation Bill (Introduction No. 576) are essential to the protection of Civil Rights. The Sikh Coalition has led the effort to gather support for the measures from other New York organizations and the City Council. A date for the city council hearing on the Uniform Anti-Discrimination Bill is expected soon. See Coalition website for more details: (http://www.sikhcoalition.org/NewYorkCity_Bills.asp).

Coalition Trains New Jersey Corrections Officers
On September 23, the Sikh Coalition trained over 80 Correction Officer trainees in Sea Girt, NJ. This marks the first time that Department of Corrections trainees have been educated on Sikh identity and beliefs. Coalition thanks David D’Amico from the Monmouth County prosecutor’s office for organizing the training.

Human Rights First Report Discusses Challenges Faced by Sikhs in Europe & USA, Cites Coalition’s Work
Human Rights First recently issued “Everyday Fears—A survey of violent hate crimes in Europe and United States”, by Michael McClintock. The book surveys the recent rise in hate crimes in Europe and North America. The report discusses how individuals are targeted based on their origins, the color of their skin, their religion, or other similar attributes. The book studied the environment facing Sikhs and drew information from the work of the Sikh Coalition in America.

Coalition Thanks Volunteers for Help at Annual Report Mailing ‘Party’
Coalition staff and volunteers were very glad to be joined by students from Barnard College’s Civic Engagement Project on the Sunday, September 11, at the Sikh Coalition office.

Several hundred 2004-05 Annual Reports (http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ar2004_main.asp) were to be packed, stamped and mailed across the United States. The Barnard women arrived early on Sunday morning and worked with Coalition staff and volunteers till late in the evening. They took a pizza beak and watched the “Dastaar” documentary and were very interested in the Sikhs and the Coalition’s work. We are grateful for all their help and interest. We would also like to thank those Coalition volunteers from New York, New Jersey and Washington DC, who devoted their Sunday to this Sevaa.

Coalition Legal Director Participates in Panel on Decline of Immigrant Rights Since 9/11
Demos and Colorline Maganize organized a panel discussion on the decline of civil liberties in immigrant communities post 9/11 and the opportunities for action on this issue . This panel discussion highlighted the release of the book “We are all Suspects Now: Untold Stories from Immigrant Communities After 9/11”, by Tram Nguyen.

Coalition Assists in Organizing New York Spinning Wheel Film Festival 2005
The second annual New York Spinning Wheel Film Festival—a celebration of Sikh films, was held at Hofstra University on September 24-25, 2005. The Coalition sponsored and promoted the the film festival, which screened films on Sikh history, culture and identity. See http://www.spinningwheelfestival.com/ for more information.

Coalition Applauds House for Passing Hate Crimes Bill
The House of Representatives approved the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act on September 18, 2005. The legislation enables the Department of Justice to assist federal, state and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. It also authorizes grants for state and local hate crime prevention programs. The Coalition commends the House for this step.

Coalition Commends Jaspal Singh and Swedish Military Defense Service
Jaspal Singh, has successfully completed grueling military training and joined the Swedish Army. Jaspal Singh consistently stressed that he is not willing to compromise his faith and successfully explained the significance of his long beard and turban to Army officials. In the face of growing challenges and discrimination that Sikhs are facing in Europe, the Swedish Military Defense Service’s positive response towards the Sikh dastar and distinct experience, is appreciated. We thank Panthic Weekly News Bureau for covering Jaspal Singh’s story.

Sikh Student Association of the Month: North Carolina State University
The Coalition proudly recognizes the work of NCSU SEVA: Sikh Ethics, Values, & Awareness Association . A year ago this fledging association contacted us regarding the Sikh Coalition’s SSA campaign (http://www.sikhcoalition.org/SSA.asp) and has been actively working with the Coalition ever since. Their initiative and involvement are truly commendable. Below we share some of NCSU’s work and creative ideas, which others are welcome to use:

--Their debut event in October last year was a seminar, "Carnage of 84." They invited speakers and successfully attracted a mixed Sikh and non-Sikh audience. Each attendee was provided a saffron ribbon, to pin on their shirts. NCSU SSA utilized the effective awareness raising tool, ribbons, with the aim to pay a silent tribute to all ’84 victims.

--By creating big blue billboards with attention-drawing photographs, the NCSU Sikhs effectively participated in their University’s Diversity Day. Billboards included the topics: Sikh beliefs [Naam Japna, Kirt Karni, Vand Chhakna], Equality for All, Gurudwaras around the world, Komagata Maru, October and June 1984 Anti-Sikh pogroms in India, Panj Kakkaars, Sikh Calendar, Sikh script and Musicology.

--They distributed an information sheet with explanations about different types of turbans worn around the world and the University Newspaper even carried its first report on the Sikh dastaars at NCSU.

--The NCSU Sikhs brought a Vaja and Tabla for kirtan on their school lawns, and a few non-Sikh musicians also enthusiastically joined in!

You can Help!

Coalition Urgently Seeks Punjabi Translator
The Coalition is developing new outreach material for civil rights advocacy and awareness campaigns. We require someone who can effectively translate written material from English to Punjabi. If you or someone you know—friend, cousin, parent, relative—could provide this sevaa, please email volunteer@sikhcoalition.org ASAP. (Possibility of monetary compensation).

Fall Internship Opportunities
The Coalition still has a few openings for interns for Fall 2005. Applicants can choose to concentrate in one of the following areas: Legal, Community Organizing, and Marketing and Operations. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to internship@sikhcoalition.org.

Take Action! 5 –min survey to Participate in health care disparities research study
Healthcare is a very important issue and everyone should have adequate coverage. A healthcare disparities study is being conducted through a survey asking for Your views about your health care and your satisfaction with your doctor.  The information collected may help educate and provide specific skills training to physicians and resident physicians. The survey is studying a diverse population and the Coalition encourages the Sikh community to have their say, by taking the quick, anonymous survey here.

Announcement: Seattle Sikh Retreat, October 28-30
A retreat for Students and Young Professionals, “Sangat: From Seclusion to Inclusion”, will be held in Vashon Island, Seattle. For more information please visit: www.seattlesikhretreat.org/

[BACK]