Advocacy Program

The Sikh Coalition’s Advocacy Program encourages civic participation and pushes government to be respectful of Sikh concerns. We work to engage our community and community centers through petition-signing efforts, rallies, vigils and other forms of civic engagement. The Advocacy Program also takes the community’s voice to the government through letter-writing campaigns, congressional outreach, civil rights reports, meetings with government agencies and media outreach.

Program in Action

NASMDA and Sikh Coalition Partner to Overturn MCAT Turban Search

New York, New York (October 17, 2008) - In partnership with the North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association (NASMDA), the Sikh Coalition this week succeeded in changing a policy that allowed searches and removal of religious headwear worn by Medical Colleges Admission Test (MCAT) examinees.

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Sikh Coalition and NYC Department of Education Announce New Chancellor's Regulation to Prevent Bias-Based Harassment and Bullying in Schools

New York, NY (September 3, 2008) -  This morning at a press conference at the Department of Education Headquarters, Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor of Schools, Joel Klein, along with the Sikh Coalition and other community organizations, announced the creation of a historic new Chancellor's Regulation that defines, tracks, and aims to prevent bias-based

Coalition Meets with United States Attorney General

Washington, DC (March 14, 2008) - Attorney General Michael Mukasey met with religious community representatives two weeks ago to discuss issues facing their respective communities in the United States.  The Sikh American community was represented by the Sikh Coalition at this historic meeting with the nation's chief law enforcement officer.

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Coalition Launches Know Your Rights Series

New York, New York (February 7, 2008) -  The Sikh Coalition today launched the first two booklets in its new "Know Your Rights Series." The pioneering publications focus on immigrant student rights and healthcare access issues.

The Sikh Coalition's Know Your Rights Series is aimed at empowering Sikh Americans to stand up for their rights. Under the laws of the United States, everyone is entitled to certain basic necessary services and freedoms. The Know Your Rights series ensures that Sikhs know what these are. Each booklet is available in both English and Punjabi.

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Flying While Sikh? What You Need To Know as a Sikh Air Traveler

Washington DC, (October 27, 2007) - Tomorrow the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement new procedures for screening Sikh turbans. Sikh air travelers will have to know their rights in order to assert them properly during security screenings at U.S. airports. [More Information]

TSA Develops New Procedure for Screening Turbans at US Airports

Washington, DC (October 17, 2007) - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) yesterday announced a new security screening procedure that will apply to all religious head coverings at U.S. airports. The new procedures will go into effect on October 27, 2007.  [More Information]

Coalition Launches Groundbreaking Anti-Bullying Website for Sikh Kids
New York, NY (October 1, 2007) – In another first for the Sikh community, the Sikh Coalition today launched Khalsa Kids a website dedicated exclusively to helping Sikh students fight school bullying. The website is designed as an interactive resource tool, featuring a discussion forum, videos, and downloadable presentations. [More Information]

New York Times Publishes Sikh Coalition Editorial on Education

New York, New York (September 26, 2007) – This weekend’s New York Times featured an op-ed piece written jointly by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. The editorial discussed the shortcomings of the New York City Department of Education in protecting students from bias-based bullying. You can read the editorial online by clicking here.

Schools Chancellor Responds to Sikh Concerns
(New York, NY) July 16, 2007 – The Sikh Coalition met with Chancellor Joel Klein today to discuss ways to make schools safe for Sikh children. As head of New York City’s Department of Education, the largest school system in the United States, Klein expressed his concern about bias incidents in schools and pledged to work with the Sikh Coalition on an ongoing basis. [More Information]

Coalition Releases Hatred in the Hallways Report

(New York, New York) June 6, 2007 - The Sikh Coalition released a first ever research report on bias against Sikh children in New York City Schools.   The report, "Hatred in the Hallways: A Preliminary Report on Bias Against Sikh Students in New York City's Public Schools," presents data from over 200 surveys conducted by the Sikh Coalition on the experience of Sikh children in New York City schools.

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