UNITED SIKHSWinner of the Sikhs and Charities Award
June 22, 2011
8th Haarh (Samvat 543 Nanakshahi)
Community Alert
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Prometric and UNITED SIKHS Craft Kirpan Religious Accommodation Policy:
Policy will be implemented in 160 countries and 10,000 testing centers worldwide

Highlights:

  • UNITED SIKHS secures historic and favorable Kirpan accommodation policy
  • If Sikhs, anywhere in the world, are precluded from entering Prometric centers with their Kirpans, they should contact law-usa@unitedsikhs.org or law-global@unitedsikhs.org
  • UNITED SIKHS has secured Kirpan accommodations in: U.S. Universities, Indian Airports, Domestic and International Courts, and now Testing Centers worldwide.
New York, NY: Prometric is a trusted provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment.  Its market-leading test development and delivery solutions allow the market to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately measure program results and data. 

As a company serving a diverse, global marketplace, Prometric is committed to providing all candidates with accommodations for medical conditions, disabilities and religious practices. It recently collaborated with UNITED SIKHS to devise a comprehensive religious accommodation policy that addressed enhanced security (metal detectors) at certain Prometric facilities and the right of Sikhs to carry their articles of faith, specifically, the Kirpan. The Kirpan is a short religious sword worn by Sikhs (the accommodation policy allows for Kirpans that do not exceed seven inches in total length, including its sheath, and that must be worn at all times tightly secured to the body by a gatra (cloth strap used to secure a Sikh's Kirpan)).

In seeking to balance the legitimate security concerns with the sincerely held religious beliefs of Sikhs, Prometric, with the assistance of UNITED SIKHS, crafted a religious accommodation policy that balanced these equally important interests and revealed Prometric’s commitment to fostering an environment that safeguards religious diversity.

“We are encouraged by our collaboration with UNITED SIKHS and welcome further dialogue,” stated Jana Von Bramer, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Prometric.  “We strive to create a welcoming testing environment—one that is accessible to any segment of the community that can benefit from an inclusive accommodations policy such as ours.”

Issued By:

Hansdeep Singh
UNITED SIKHS
Senior Staff Attorney

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Protect Our Identity (POI) is an ongoing international campaign launched by UNITED SIKHS in August 2010 . It focuses on the need to protect the Sikh community's right to express its religious identity.  Initiatives under the POI campaign include:
  • Right to Turban
  • Airport Security in European Union and United States
  • Anti-Bullying Initiatives
  • Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pakistan
  • Equality in Employment
  • Right to Kakaars
  • Recognition of Sikhs as a Religion and Ethnicity in UK and US Census, and Raising Awareness of Sikhs and Sikhism to reduce acts of violence and xenophobia against Sikhs.
UNITED SIKHS is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to spread the message of the campaign within their own communities. To join or contribute to the campaign, volunteer or donate to UNITED SIKHS.
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OUR MISSION

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.