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Justice for All - The Aftermath of 9/11
The Hate
Free Zone Campaign of Washington coordinated a "Town Hall"
meeting on September 21 2002 between communities affected by hate
crimes and infringment of civil liberties, government officials and
concerned citizens. The event was supported by over one hundred separate
organizations (The Sikh Coalition and Gurdwara Sahib of Washigton
were the sponsoring Sikh organizations). Over 1000 people attended
this important event.
The Sikh Coalition would like to thank the Hate Free Zone for helping
to protect the pillars of our democracy by excercising the voice of
the people.
Introduction to the Event
A year after the terrorist attacks of September 11, all across the
country acts of intolerance and discrimination have eroded our sense
of community. Physical and verbal attacks on those who ‘look
Arab’ are three times what they were a year ago. State and federal
agencies and law enforcement have increased the pressure on our communities
by implementing discriminatory and anti-immigrant legislation, and
by harassing, detaining and deporting large numbers of innocent people.
These attacks on immigrants, refugees and people of color are particularly
disturbing because they have created a climate of fear. These attacks
affect whole communities in a fundamental way because they undermine
the ideals of tolerance, religious freedom, diversity and equal treatment
that inspired us to become members of American society. These attacks
send a message not only to the individual victim, but to all members
of the victim’s community. They have created widespread fear
and, ironically, a widespread sense of isolation.
In Seattle, a broad range of communities are uniting for justice.
In conjunction with Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington, leading
organizations in the Sikh, Muslim, East African, Arab American, Japanese
American, South Asian and Latino communities are coordinating a Public
Hearing on 21 September to tell our stories about life since September
11th to a panel of elected public officials. We want to show that
we are not alone. We want to stand together to tell our stories. We
want the general public, particularly our representatives, to know
what we have experienced since the September 11th tragedy. We want
to end the targeting.
Outline of the Program
- Introduction -- By Pramila Jayapal (HFZ)
- Intro for commissioners - By Chief Justice Charles Smith of WA
- Hate Crimes and Discrimination - By Jasmit Singh (The Sikh Coalition)
- Testimonies in support from children and adults
- Government Actions - Annie Benson
- Testimonies by adults
- Climate of fear - Leena (ADC)
- Testimonies from JACL and Japanese Interment victim
- Recommendations read out by people from different communities
- Response by commissioners
- Closing by Justice Charles Smith and Pramila Jayapal
Information on the Event
News
Article covering the event
[Audio
for the Event] - Listen to entire event. In Section II Sikh Coalition
Education Director, Jasmit Singh, discusses hate crimes and discrimination
Presentation and Outline
of Speeches
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