UNITED SIKHS MEETS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO DISCUSS SIKH COMMUNITY ISSUES 

  

October 13, 2004                           29th Asu, 536 Nanakshahi

 

COMMUNITY VOICE

Washington, D.C. – In a meeting with leading United States Federal Government Agencies, UNITED SIKHS was given the opportunity to bring to light the various issues the Sikh community is currently facing.  Harpreet Singh, UNITED SIKHS Attorney and Legal Director, apprised the federal agencies present of the following areas of concern for the Sikh community:

 

Ø       Recent “pat-down” policies implemented at airports nationwide and its implementation with regard to the Sikh Turban.

Ø       Proper protocol for interacting with and questioning Sikh truck drivers.

Ø       Various cases involving religious discrimination against Sikhs.

Ø       Campaigning alongside the other organizations present to increase voter participation of Sikhs in the upcoming U.S. elections.

Ø       Working with the U.S. Department of Justice to train local law enforcement authorities to enhance awareness of the Sikh religion and its adherents.

 

The attending agents expressed immense interest at the issues presented and wholeheartedly welcomed UNITED SIKHS to similar future meetings.

 

UNITED SIKHS urges the Sikh community to continue to practice their Sikh faith without fear and hesitation.  Also, UNITED SIKHS is here to listen to any complaints/issues/questions that you may have about government policy or incidents at the federal, state or local level so that they may be attended to immediately and be brought to the notice of law enforcement agencies at future forums of this sort.  You may contact Legal Director Harpreet Singh by telephone at 1-(646) 338-5996 or by e-mail at: taskforce@unitedsikhs.org.  We at UNITED SIKHS are here to serve you, the Sikh community.

 

 Attendees at the Meeting:

 

Ø       UNITED SIKHS Legal Director Harpreet Singh

Ø       U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Ø       U.S. Department of Transportation

Ø       U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Ø       U.S. Department of Justice Civil Right Division

Ø       U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations

Ø       Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General

Ø       Eric Treene, Special Counsel for Religious Discrimination, Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division

Ø       Shaarik Zafar, Special Counsel for Post 9-11 National Origin Discrimination, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division

Ø       Preetmohan Singh, Director, S.M.A.R.T.

Ø       South Asian Bar

Ø       South Asian American Bar Association (S.A.A.B.T.)

Ø       South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (S.A.A.L.T.)

Ø       Various Muslim and Arab Organizations

 

 

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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 organizations 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 organizations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavor 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 fulfill 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.