TSA Head Contacts the Sikh Coalition


Says TSA Wants to Find a Workable Solution to Sikh Concerns, Even if It Means Changing Existing Screening Procedures

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In order to raise public awareness of the Sikh concerns, the Sikh Coalition has generated over 150 media hits on the new TSA headwear screening policy  Below are select media hits.

New York Times

Associated Press

CBS

Newsday

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(New York, New York) August 30, 2007

Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) Administrator Kip Hawley contacted the Sikh Coalition directly yesterday night saying the TSA would like to find a “workable solution” to Sikh community concerns even it may mean “changing” new screening procedures.   The Sikh Coalition welcomes Administrator Hawley’s message as a positive step forward.

 

Administrator Hawley’s message to the Sikh Coalition emphasized that TSA is open to suggestions on how security needs can be met in a “respectful, non-intrusive fashion.” He noted that Sikh concerns over the new headwear screening procedures are being addressed at the highest levels. He also said that he understands the sensitivity and importance of Sikh community concerns over the new procedures.  

 

Administrator Hawley’s message to the Sikh Coalition was in direct response to the Coalition’s community petition on the issue.  We thank all those who have signed the petition.  We encourage more people to sign it.  Each person who signs the petition is making a difference.

Disputed Screening Procedures are Still in Effect

While the Sikh Coalition looks forward to working with TSA, along with its Sikh and non-Sikh partners, to devise screening procedures that keep America safe and open to all faiths, the disputed screening procedures still remain in effect.   This means that Sikhs may be subject to pat down searches of their turbans at airports or even removal of their turbans at the discretion of a TSA screener.

 

We encourage the community to continue to sign the petition to the TSA and report incidents of turban pat down searches.   We will keep the community updated on this matter as it progress.  The Coalition, along with its non community partners will be working with the TSA over the coming week to address our concerns.

Started as an effort to educate the greater North American community on Sikhs and Sikhism, the Sikh Coalition seeks to safeguard the civil and human rights of all citizens as well as to promote the Sikh identity and communicate the collective interests of Sikhs to civil society. 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.