The Sikh Coalition Newsletter

Justice for All - The e-Newsletter
Maghar 5, 535 NanakShahi
November 18, 2003
Volume 28

Judge Tells Sikh He Can Not Wear Turban In Court Room - Coalition Takes Action

(November 17, 2003) A state court judge in northern Illinois has told a Sikh defendant, that he will not be allowed to wear his dastaar when he must appear for trial.  The judge stated that since no hats are allowed in the courtroom, the Sikh defendant would not be allowed to wear his turban.

The Sikh Coalition in response has prepared a letter to the court explaining that the dastaar is mandatory article of faith for Sikhs, and may not be removed.    In addition the Coalition has provided the defendant's attorney with case law that supports the position that the defendant should not be required to remove his dastaar.   For more information on this matter, go to: Turban Not Allowed in Court

Fauja Singh Successfully Completes New York City Marathon - But Not Without Bias

(October 23, 2003)November 3, 2003) Sardar Fauja Singh, a ninety-two year old Sikh man from the United Kingdom, completed the 26 mile New York City Marathon on November 2, 2003.   He is the world record holder for 90-and-over marathoners

His inspiring run through the streets of New York was not, however, without its troubles.  According to the New York Daily News, Fauja Singh endured ethnic and religious jeers along the way.   Spectators shouted slurs such as "Hey, Osama Bin Laden" and "Look at Saddam" as he completed the marathon in seven and one-half hours.    Despite the offensive comments, most spectators clapped heartily as Fauja Singh passed along the marathon route.

Fauja Singh was one of nine Sikh runners from the England who completed the marathon, including three runners over the age of sixty. The Sikh Coalition congratulates Fauja Singh and the Sikh marathon team from England for completing the marathon and for their efforts to spread good will about Sikhs.

The New York Daily News article on the race can be found at: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/136651p-121561c.html.

Seattle Taxi Cab Attack - Case Update

On October 18, 2003, Harjit Singh and his taxi cab were attacked by a group of men yelling ethnic slurs, causing almost two thousand dollars in damage to his cab.  The initial police report listed the incident as a property crime and did not make any mention of bias motivation.     The Sikh Coalition sent a letter to the Seattle Police Department requesting that the incident be investigated as possible hate crime on October 24, 2003.

Harjit Singh has subsequently confirmed that the Seattle Police Department interviewed him regarding possible bias motivation for the attack.  The Coalition will continue to work with Harjit Singh to ensure that possible bias in his case is investigated.  To read more about this incident, go to:  Taxi Cab Assaulted and Damaged

Sikh Family Harassed by Neighbor - Coalition Takes Action

(November 6, 2003)  On October 26, 2003 Jatinder Singh of Windsor, Atlanta was about to enter his car on his way to gurdwara when his neighbor started yelling religious and ethnic slurs at him.  Specifically the neighbor called him "Bin Laden" and "Saddam Hussein."    Jatinder Singh called the local police who reported to the scene immediately, took a report, and told the neighbor to stay from Jatinder Singh and his family.

At the request of the local community in the Atlanta area, the Sikh Coalition has written to the Mayor of Windsor and its police chief asking that they work to ensure the safety of Sikhs in Windsor and Jatinder Singh and his family.  In addition, the Coalition has arranged a meeting with the Community Relations Service of the Justice Department to discuss ways in which the Sikh community in the Atlanta area can work more closely with federal and state law enforcement officials.  For more information on this matter, go to:  Discrimination and Hatred remarks towards Sikh family

Coalition Endorses End Racial Profiling Act

(November 7, 2003) The Sikh Coalition along with a host of African-American, Asian Pacific-American, Arab, Muslim and South Asian organizations has endorsed the federal End Racial Profiling Act. The bill defines racial profiling, makes it illegal and requires data collection on all law enforcement encounters. It also provides individuals harmed by racial profiling with the power to stop law enforcement agencies from continuing to profile based on race, religion or national origin. Sens. Russ Feingold (D-WI), Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) are expected to shortly introduce the bill in Congress.

For more information on the End Racial Profiling Act, go to: http://www.aclu.org/news/NewsPrint.cfm?ID=9967&c=118

Coalition Presents at Columbia University Course on Ethnicity and Citizenship After September 11

(November 6, 2003) The Sikh Coalition presented a Sikh perspective on the effect and aftermath of September 11 at a Columbia University class, "Outsider Politics: Exploring Ethnicity and Citizenship after September 11."    The course, offered through the university's Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race, explores how Sikhs, Muslims and those of Arab and South Asian descent are negotiating their identities as immigrants, as Americans, and as people of color since September 11.    The Coalition thanks the course instructor, Professor Deepa Iyer, for extending an invitation to offer its perspective at the class.