Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

The Sikh Coalition joins the world in solemnly remembering the events of September 11, 2001. We encourage all Sikhs to actively participate in memorial services for the innocent persons who tragically lost their lives on that day. We also request Gurdwaras across the United States to incorporate a remembrance of the victims during their weekly divaan.

We are mindful that this is a time of severe stress and anger for many. As the media flashes images of Bin Laden, many unfortunately associate our precious articles of faith --- which stand for values such as honor, courage, and compassion --- with terrorism. All Sikhs should therefore be mindful of the possibility that they or their loved ones could be at a heightened risk of danger.

Based on past experience, there is a possibility that Sikhs will be the object of heightened scrutiny and discrimination by others. For example, during the 1st year anniversary of 9/11, there was a significant increase in bias incidents against Sikhs. Over twenty percent of the bias incidents reported on our website during 2002 occurred during the five days surrounding the first anniversary of 9/11. Similarly, the period from the beginning of the Iraq War to the end of 2003 saw a 91% increase in bias incidents against Sikhs from the previous year.

We only report this increase in bias so that the community is aware of the potential dangers it may face in the coming weeks. For more detail on bias incidents against Sikhs in the past or to report any incidents, please visit our website's bias area. By reporting incidents through our website police, policymakers and press can be made aware of what occurs in our community.

It is important that through these times we continue to aspire to the values taught by the Sikh Gurus. As Sikhs we should neither be afraid, nor instill fear in others. Below are several key topics that can help Gurdwaras be prepared for incidents that could affect their sangats. Please send any questions to info@sikhcoalition.org

Key Topics

Hate Crime Victims| Workplace | Air Travel | Parents and Educators

For Victims of Hate Crimes
In any situation is it important that you remain calm. It will help ensure you take the appropriate steps to prevent an incident, protect yourself in an incident, or to ensure proper and complete follow up. Report the incident to your local police station immediately. Ask that the incident be treated as a hate crime. Ask witnesses to give you their name and contact information. Collect and record all information about the incident and your filing (police case #, reporting officer, timeline of actions).

Please report any bias incident at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ListReports.asp

Resources
Know Your Rights - Hate Crime Victims (PDF)

For Employees in the Workplace
Federal law makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an
employee on the basis of religion, race, or national origin. Title VII of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act guarantees your right to

1. Reasonable religious accommodation. The failure of an employer to reasonably accommodate your religious practices constitutes discrimination.
   "Religious practices" includes wearing a beard or dastar.
2. Fairness in hiring, firing, and promotions. Your employer is prohibited from considering religion when making decisions affecting your employment
   status.
3. A non-hostile work environment. Your employer must ensure that you are not subjected to anti-Sikhs insults, harassment or unwelcome, excessive
   proselytizing.
4. Complain about discrimination without fear of retaliation. Federal law guarantees your right to report an act of alleged discrimination. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for your complaint.

Please report any incident at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ListReports.asp

Resources
Help explain Sikh Articles of Faith to Employers
Why Sikhs Wear a Turban

For Air Travelers
As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and
non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel. You have the
right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory. If
you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, immediately:

1. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
2. Ask if you have been singled out because of your looks, dress, race,
   ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
3. Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident.
4. Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5. Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure
   to include the flight number, the flight date, and the name of the airline.

Please report any bias incident at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ListReports.asp

Resources
Know Your Rights - Guide for Sikh Airline Passengers (PDF)

For Parents and Educators
One of the most important ways of preventing bias and discrimination is to educate those around you of Sikh beliefs. The Sikh Coalition web site has letters that can be given to teachers, presentations about Sikhism and additional information for teachers and parents. In addition, numerous resources can help you explain the Sikh faith to any potential audience. Use these resources to proactively inform people of the Sikh faith.

Resources for Parents and Educators

• Brochure on Sikhism

• English
• Spanish
  
• Powerpoint Presentations
• Sikh Awareness
• Kirpan - An Article of Faith

 Please report any bias incident at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/ListReports.asp

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!