Safe Schools Matter (SALDEF March Update)

March Advocate:
Tell Your Senator Safe Schools Matter!
Safe Schools Matter—Tell Your Senator Today!
Last Call for Applications!
Michigan Police Department Training
Sikh Awareness Program Held in Arizona
DOJ Sues California to Protect Sikh Prisoner’s Rights
SALDEF Joins Anti-Hate Campaign
SALDEF Engages Youth

Safe Schools Matter—Tell Your Senator Today!
The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA), a federal anti-bullying bill, was introduced in the U.S. Senate on March 8, 2011. Sikh Americans are urged to support SSIA for its potential impact on our children by asking your respective Senators to endorse the bill. SALDEF will continue to work with coalition partners to push this bill forward and keep the community updated on its progress.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/saldef/34978-safe-schools-matter-saldef-march-update.html

To write to your Senator, click here.



Last Call for Applications!
SALDEF has partnered with Congressional offices to offer Sikh American students internships on Capitol Hill. Apply now to our Congressional Internship Program to spend your summer in Washington, DC interning with a member of Congress. The application deadline for summer 2011 is March 27. To learn more and apply, visit www.SikhLEAD.org.


Michigan Police Department Training
SALDEF Board Member Raman Singh provided members of the Canton, Michigan Police Department with Sikh awareness training as part of SALDEF’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program. Police officers viewed our law enforcement training video - On Common Ground - and received educational materials. “Through your efforts, our officers have a more thorough understanding of the Sikh religion and culture and are better prepared to serve the diverse community we are all a part of,” commented Lt. Todd Mutchler after the training.



Sikh Awareness Program Held in Arizona
SALDEF Volunteer Inder Kaur conducted a Sikh Awarness program to over 200 students, teachers, and employees in Arizona. The event was a unique opportunity for the audience to experience the Sikh faith through presentations, discussions, and a trip to the Gurdwara. Such efforts to promote awareness and understanding are vital to combating our community's challenges. If you are interested in hosting a similar event, please contact us.


DOJ Sues California to Protect Sikh Prisoner’s Rights
Earlier this month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of California for violating the right of a Sikh American to practice his religion. By requiring inmate Sukhjinder Basra to cut his beard, California compels him to violate his religious beliefs under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The suit seeks to resolve the investigation into Mr. Basra's refusal to cut his beard. SALDEF applauds the DOJ for their efforts and looks forward to a positive outcome.



SALDEF Joins Anti-Hate Campaign
SALDEF is proud to announce our recent collaboration and committmen to the What Unites Us campaign, which brings together Americans to stand against anti-Muslim rhetoric and make it unacceptable for public figures to espouse anti-Muslim hate. SALDEF supports this cause under the belief that any hate contributes to violence and discrimination and cannot be tolerated.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34978


SALDEF Engages Youth
On March 17, SALDEF Chairman Manjit Singh participated in a diversity forum with approximately 30 youth from United Methodist churches throughout the eastern part of North Carolina. Manjit Singh helped them develop a deeper understanding about the nation's commitment to religious liberty and the ways in which religious persecution still occurs today. This was part of a traveling cohort of students and adults learning about religious persecution around the world.


Upcoming Events

Deadline for Congressional Internship Program -- March 27
Sikh Awareness Training for Dept of Driver Services -- April 18, Atlanta, GA
Know Your Rights Forum -- May 1, Fresno, CA
California Asian Pacific Islander Policy Summit-- May 2-3, Sacramento, CA

received as a press release by personal email

 
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