Summary of some recent SALDEF initiatives. Not reported so far in the forum is the update on the first story of suspected arson.
September 2011 Advocate
• Sikh Business Attacked in Suspected Arson, linked to 9/11 Hate
• SALDEF Presents to Executive Leadership of Long Beach Police Department
• Guilty Plea Entered in Attack on Sikh Man in Texas
• The Leadership Conference Issues 'Statement of Principle'
• City of Los Angeles Diversity Campaign includes Sikh Americans
• SALDEF Fall/Winter Internships Available
• Celebrating 15 Years--SALDEF National Gala
Sikh Business Attacked in Suspected Arson, linked to 9/11 Hate
On Sep 8th, police were called in the middle of the night to the burning of State Line Grocery store, owned by Arvinder Singh in Clay County, NC. '9/11 Go Home' was spray painted along the wall of the grocery store and although locals believe this to be a hate crime, the investigation will continue. News reports confirm that Mr. Singh was not harmed, and was in his home nearby. This is a suspected arson crime, and police are still looking for any information. To read more, please click here. If you are anyone you know faces an instance of discrimination or violence, please contact SALDEF immediately by clicking here.
SALDEF Presents to Executive Leadership of Long Beach Police Department
On Aug 11th, SALDEF was invited to present an overview of the Sikh faith to approximately 50 members of the Executive Management team of the Long Beach Police Department at their quarterly Management Training Day. Attendees learned about the Sikh articles of faith, watched SALDEF’s On Common Ground, and took copies of the Law Enforcement Reference Card. This was the first in a series of trainings with the Department which will hopefully lead to a long-term partnership and introduction of Sikh Awareness training for all cadets and officers.
Guilty Plea Entered in Attack on Sikh Man in Texas
A Texas man, who plead guilty earlier this year to a federal civil rights charge for assaulting a Sikh American college student, will be sentenced on August 2. On June 6, 2009, Doug Wilson Renshaw made offensive remarks towards the Sikh man, who was working for a pizza delivery service in Odessa, TX at the time, including calling him “Osama.” He then shoved him into the pool and repeatedly pushed him back into the pool as he tried to climb out. To read more, click here.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/saldef/36938-september-2011-advocate-saldef.html
The Leadership Conference Issues 'Statement of Principle'
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCR) released a 'Statement of Principle' signed by over seventy national organizations in the civil and human rights community in solidarity for the upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11th. The statement aims to address the special challenges civil rights communities face in confronting and minimizing bigotry, hatred, fear and intolerance experienced by fellow Americans. SALDEF strongly supports the shared principles; including remembrance of the victims of 9/11, greater partnerships between communities and law enforcement, and policies that promote inclusion and respect for all. To read the State of Principles in detail, please click here.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36938
City of Los Angeles Diversity Campaign includes Sikh Americans
On August 10, 2011 SALDEF Community Relations Associate Birpal Kaur and Communications Intern Jasleen Singh participated in a photo-shoot hosted by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission as part of their upcoming Diversity Campaign titled 'Out of Many: One L.A.'. SALDEF participated in featuring local faces including the Arab, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Persian communities with Nicole Maloney, Lead Photographer. Through a video series and visual media, the campaign hopes to capture and recognize the diverse population of the City of Los Angeles. The photos will be a part of the exhibition and may also be used for the public posters on major city billboards. SALDEF is proud to be part of such a project and its efforts toward creating awareness and tolerance for all those that call Los Angeles their home.
SALDEF Internships Available
The SALDEF Internship Program offers opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development to passionate and motivated youth. Students gain direct insight into issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Interns gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. We are currently seeking interns for our Washington D.C. and Los Angeles offices; click here for more information on how to apply.
Celebrating 15 Years-- SALDEF National Gala
Please join us for an evening of commemoration and celebration at the SALDEF National Gala on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. As SALDEF’s 15th anniversary, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Sponsorships and tickets are still available. For more information, click here.
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