SALDEF

India’s Attempt to Assassinate Sikh American on US Soil: SALDEF Urges US DoJ to Unseal Indictment

There have been reportsof U.S. authorities disclosing an alleged attempted attack by the Indian Government on a Sikh American on American soil. 

Sikh Group Joins the 70th International Association of Human Right Agencies in Orlando

Seventieth International Association of Human Right Agencies event held Tuesday, August 20th at Orlando city of Florida state in United States of America (USA).

US Air Force Grants Religious Accommodation to Sikh Airman

In United States of America (USA) Airman 1st Class (A1C) Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa an Airman with the U.S. Air Force has received a religious accommodation allowing him to wear a Dastar/Turban, keep beard, and unshorn hair, in compliance with his Sikh religious beliefs. Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa, crew chief at the McChord Air Force Base near Lakewood, Washington, is the first active Airman to be authorized to adhere to Sikh religious grooming and dress principles while serving his country.

Sikhs in Colorado (USA) allowed to wear Turbans in IDs

SALDEF says that the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles will no longer require Sikhs, Muslims or others to remove religious head coverings to get their driver’s license.

Illinois to Dastar/ Sikh Turban on Driver’s License Photos

After complaints from Sikh groups, the state of Illinois is reportedly telling DMV workers that anyone wearing a religious head covering doesn't have to take it off for a driver's license or photo ID.

More Sikh Scholars withdraw from UCR Conference; Set agenda for discussion with Pashaura Singh

Following the withdrawal from Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University (SGGSWU) vice-chancellor, more Sikh scholars have withdrawn their names from the University of California, Riverside’s upcoming conference on “Living and Making Sikhi in the Diaspora: The Millennial Generation Comes of Age”.

FIBA delays ruling on Turban ban on Sikh basketball players

Seville (August 29, 2014): The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on August 28 that it would not reverse Article 4.4.2, which bans players from wearing dastaars (turbans) on the court.

Sikh basketball players asked to remove turbans under disguise of ‘dangerous objects’ FIBA rule

Wuhan, China (July 18, 2014): Last Saturday night in Wuhan, China, moments before the beginning of the Asia Cup’s India vs. Japan game, referees told two Sikh player paying for Indian team – Amrit Pal Singh and Amjyot Singh that they were violating Article 4.4.2 of FIBA’s official rules, which states that “Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.”

USA: A new PSA aims to reverse anti-turban bias

Actor and designer Waris Singh Ahluwalia appears in the spot created by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, introducing the public to other notable Sikh Americans in an effort to address misconceptions about the community.

Pentagon’s new religious guidelines still discriminatory: Law and Policy for the Sikh Coalition

Washington, DC (April 11, 2014): According to 21 faith and interfaith groups Pentagon's new religious guidelines are still discriminatory as they impose "stifling" requirements on religion observing service members.

Sikh American drives away with legal victory in Minnesota; Turbans facilitated in driver’s license photos

Minnesota, United States (February 20, 2014): According to a statement released by Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) in a significant win for the Sikh American community in Minnesota, Jatinder Singh of Blaine, Minnesota and SALDEF succeeded in challenging the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services’ (DVS) driver’s license policy. The victory ensures that he and other Sikh Americans in Minnesota can wear their turbans in driver’s license photos.

Sikh American Organizations Stand with Gurbakash Singh on 36th Day of His Hunger Strike; Demand Rule of Law in India

New York, United States (December 20, 2013): Various diaspora Sikh organizations based in United States have issued a joint statement supporting the cuase of Sikh political prisoners taken up by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who is on fast unto death since November 14, 2013 at Gurdwara Amb Sahib Mohali. Gurbaksh Singh is seeking release of 6 Sikh political prisoners languishing in Indian jails despite serving full terms of their sentences.

US: White House celebrates Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s Gurpurab

Washington, United States (November 21, 2013): Sikhs from various part of the U.S. came yesterday to celebrate Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s Parkash Gurpurb for the fourth time in the White House. President Obama’s administration opened the doors of the White House for this annual celebration which featured key White House officials, Sikh community leaders, Sikh kirtan, and a musical performance on the sitar and tabla.

Sikh Professor hospitalized after hate crime; Sikh Coalition & SALDEF work with family to respond

New York, US (September 23, 2013): State and federal law enforcement authorities in New York City are investigating an alleged hate crime that took place on Saturday, September 21, 2013, in Harlem, New York City, that left a Columbia University assistant professor hospitalized.

US: California Sikh Gurdwara vandalized in apparent incident of Hate Crime

Los Angeles, CA (July 30, 2013): It is learnt that on the late night of July 29th, 2013 the Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh congregational place of worship) in Riverside, CA was vandalized in an apparent hate crime. The word ‘terrorist’ was spray painted around the complex.

India: Stop the arbitrary execution of Prof. Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar; Overseas Sikh & Human Rights bodies form coalition

Pleasanton, California (April 20, 2013): On April 15 and 16, 2013, a coalition of U.S.-based organizations wrote to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, urging them to call on the Government of India to halt the imminent execution of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.

Florida Sikh Shot While Driving; Sikh Coalition and SALDEF Request Hate Crime Investigation

Washington, DC (February 25, 2013): According to local news reports, a Sikh American man was shot and injured this past Saturday night as he drove his car in Daytona Beach, Florida.  His 13-year-old son, who was also in the car, was not injured.