Washington, D.C.– October 26, 2007: On Saturday, October 27, 2007, new airport screening procedures will go into effect with respect to baggy clothing and all head coverings. To help Sikh travelers go through the screening process, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Coalition, and UNITED SIKHS, have developed "A Sikh Traveler's Guide" to screening procedures at American airports.
The "Sikh Traveler's Guide" contains a detailed deXion of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) head covering screening policy and steps to be taken if you are wearing a turban. The document also describes your rights as a traveler through America's airports. It is available in English and Punjabi.
To help Sikh travelers more easily navigate the screening process, SALDEF has created a simple visual guide available in English and Punjabi. This guide can easily be carried with you while you travel.
In response to the efforts of the Sikh American community and concerns over improper searches of the turban, an article of faith, the TSA worked to develop screening procedures which help to ensure the safety of the nation's airports and respects the religious practices of all travelers.
In order to ensure the procedure is being effectively implemented SALDEF requests you document your airport screening experience. Your feedback will give us the data to inform TSA if the new security procedure is effective and respectful of the religious freedom of all Americans.
If you believe you have been denied access or been subject to any form of discrimination due to your Sikh identity, please report it immediately to SALDEF by reporting it online, by sending an email, or by calling us toll-free at 877-917-4547.
Please distribute this to all of your family, friends, and at the local Gurdwara.
The "Sikh Traveler's Guide" contains a detailed deXion of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) head covering screening policy and steps to be taken if you are wearing a turban. The document also describes your rights as a traveler through America's airports. It is available in English and Punjabi.
To help Sikh travelers more easily navigate the screening process, SALDEF has created a simple visual guide available in English and Punjabi. This guide can easily be carried with you while you travel.
In response to the efforts of the Sikh American community and concerns over improper searches of the turban, an article of faith, the TSA worked to develop screening procedures which help to ensure the safety of the nation's airports and respects the religious practices of all travelers.
In order to ensure the procedure is being effectively implemented SALDEF requests you document your airport screening experience. Your feedback will give us the data to inform TSA if the new security procedure is effective and respectful of the religious freedom of all Americans.
If you believe you have been denied access or been subject to any form of discrimination due to your Sikh identity, please report it immediately to SALDEF by reporting it online, by sending an email, or by calling us toll-free at 877-917-4547.
Please distribute this to all of your family, friends, and at the local Gurdwara.