“I have dedicated my life's work to human rights, so I was especially troubled by the reports I heard from the Sikh Coalition about the TSA’s turban screening policy,” Congressman Lantos said. “I thought it was important to write this letter to ensure that our country remains open and welcoming to all faiths.” Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

The Senate Letter Campaign Continues - Please Contact Your U.S. Senator Immediately! E-mail Both Your Senators Now! Call Both Your United States Senators Now! Other Action You Can Take Sign the Community Petition to the TSA Document Your Airport Pat Down Experience Download the Petition and Ask Sikhs to Sign it at your Gurdwara (English and Punjabi version) (English only version) Sikh Coalition volunteer Preet Singh asks his Senators to support Sikh concerns in this file photo

(Washington, DC) September 13, 2007 - In response to the Sikh Coalition’s ongoing campaign, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, yesterday wrote a letter expressing deep concern to the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) regarding its new turban screening policy. The letter, addressed to TSA Administrator Kip Hawley, asks for answers about the need for security procedures that encourage TSA screeners to pull aside and search airline passengers wearing turbans

“I have the greatest respect for your mission to secure our nation’s transportation systems,” Lantos wrote. “But unfortunately, it seems that this policy change has prompted TSA employees to engage in rampant religious discrimination and profiling.  I hope you agree that such practices are not only illegal and inconsistent with American values, but also ultimately detrimental to national security.” Congressman Lantos, a Holocaust survivor himself, understands how government discrimination can have violent consequences.

The Sikh Coalition has been working with Congressman Lantos’ staff to ensure that he is up to date on the Sikh community’s concerns about the new policy. “We wholeheartedly thank Chairman Lantos and for his leadership on this issue,” said Amardeep Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition. “His letter is excellent.  It directs tough questions to the TSA that should be answered immediately.  With his strong support, we are confident we can ensure both our country’s safety and respect for civil rights.”

Congressman Lantos’ letter also urges Mr. Hawley to specifically investigate egregious incidents involving Sikh travelers at San Francisco International Airport, which falls within his congressional district. The Sikh Coalition had earlier told Mr. Lantos about the horrible circumstances under which a Sikh man was made to remove his turban and untie his hair in public view.

“I have dedicated my life's work to human rights, so I was especially troubled by the reports I heard from the Sikh Coalition about the TSA’s turban screening policy,” Congressman Lantos said. “I thought it was important to write this letter to ensure that our country remains open and welcoming to all faiths.”

Read Congressman Lantos' Letter

Read Past Sikh Coalition News on This Issue