Our Children Face Challenges


April 8, 2008

After hearing countless stories from Sikh parents and children about bias and harassment in school, we decided to take action.


Last year the Coalition published, "Hatred in the Hallways," a first ever report on the harassment of Sikh school children.  We surveyed more than 200 children about their experiences in school.

What our report found in New York was startling:

 

3 out of 4  Sikh boys in Queens have suffered harassment because of their Sikh identity.

Over 40% of Sikh students who wear turbans or patkas have been subjected to some form of physical harassment. 

While Sikh students complain to school personnel, 1/3 of the time nothing happens.


We all want our children to be proud to be Sikh. We all want our children to be free to be Sikh.  But let's be honest: Our children face challenges.

 

So what are we going to do? This Vaisakhi, our answer is: Education.

56 Sikhs have donated to this campaign

15 are monthly recurring donors

Can we reach 250 one-time donors and 50 recurring donors this Vaisakhi?

We are calling on all our supporters to give $10, $25, $50, $100 per month to permanently fund the hiring of an Education Director at the Sikh Coalition.   It's about time the world knows who we are:

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=2563

And we can make a difference.  After we published the Hatred in the Hallways report, the New York Times published our Opinion-Editorial on bias in city schools. The Schools Chancellor met with us.  The City Council raised concerns.  And now the city Department of Education published the first-ever guide for all school parents on reporting harassment in school. The Department is now working with the Coalition to educate all students about Sikhs.

We know what it means to be Sikh.  But the public does not.  The media does not. We can't just wait and hope for a change.  Let's make change, now:

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=2563

And let's be really honest with ourselves.  The goal of hiring an Education Director is extremely modest.  Given the hatred against our articles of faith and given the need to counter decades of horrible images in the media, hiring one person full-time to work on this issue is not enough, but it is a start.

We must work to systematically educate all sectors of society.  We must begin devoting dedicated resources to Education.

Our children face challenges but not any challenge that we can't overcome.  Together we have the ability, together we have the resources, let's start now!

Help us hire an Education Director this Vaisakhi.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
The Sikh Coalition Board and Staff

The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that works towards the realization of civil and human rights for all people. The Coalition serves as a resource on Sikhs and Sikh concerns for governments, organizations and individuals.

The Sikh Coalition relies on your financial support to sustain its initiatives and broaden its services. In addition to supporting the Sikh Coalition directly, we encourage you to use matching donation programs offered by many employers. The Sikh Coalition is a 501c (3) non-profit organization. Thank you for your support.