Safe Schools Summit
On August 11 and 12, SALDEF was invited to participate in the federal government's first ever Bullying Prevention Summit in Washington, DC. The summit brought together more than 150 major organizational, federal, and academic leaders to discuss how to translate research into practice, highlight promising practices, and provide tools needed to serve students. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed the summit on the Department of Education's efforts to combat bullying. In collaboration with coalition partners, SALDEF submitted recommendations to the government, which seek to protect Sikh American children in schools from bullying.
Anti-Sikh Pages on Facebook
SALDEF recently initiated a campaign against Facebook after identifying 45 anti-Sikh and anti-turban pages on Facebook, which, when combined, reach an audience of over 3 million Facebook users. The offensive and disturbing pages are of concern because of the possibility that such misinformation and ignorance can lead to bias or violence against Sikhs.
SALDEF Presents at National Law Enforcement Conference
On August 12, SALDEF conducted a presentation to approximately 100 law enforcement officers from across the county, at the 2010 National Asian Peace Officers Association Training Conference. At the event SALDEF conducted its Sikhism 101 for Law Enforcement presentation to ensure officers understand the Sikh faith and culture, are aware of the Sikh articles of faith, and know how to respectfully interact with members of the Sikh American community.
The event, organized by the National Asian Peace Officers Association, was accompanied by three-day training and leadership conference as well as a job fair which featured several federal and local agencies. We are thankful to community member Jaswant Chani for his continued engagement with our Law Enforcement Partnership Program. To learn more about our programs and volunteer, join our volunteer group.
Lobbying Against Employment Discrimination
Over the past month, SALDEF has continued to hold meetings with members of Congress to encourage passage of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) - legislations which, if passed, would strengthen laws allowing for religious expression in the workplace. Most recently, SALDEF met with the Chief Labor Counsel for the House Education and Labor Committee to increase support for the bill.
SALDEF National Gala - October 16 in Washington, DC
Join us for an evening of celebration, culture, and achievement in the Nation's Capital on October 16. We will be recognizing individuals who have contributed to the advancement and protection of religious liberty and civil rights in this country. We are honored to have US Assistant Attorney General, Thomas E. Perez, head of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, deliver the keynote address. The event will feature cultural performances and live entertainment. For more information and ticket sales, visit the Gala website. Seats are filling up!
Attention High School Students - Gates Millennium Scholarship Program
The 2011 Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) scholarship application is now available. The program will select 1,000 talented students to receive a scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice through graduation. Recipients additionally receive personal and professional development through leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career. We encourage Sikh youth to take advantage of this opportunity and apply to the program.
Passage of AB 1775- Fred Korematsu Day
SALDEF is pleased to announce that on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 1775, the Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution bill - the first day named after an Asian American in US history. As sponsors and supporters of this bill, SALDEF is proud to be part of this important step in creating awareness about all Asian Americans, and honoring those individuals that have fought relentlessly for the cause of civil liberties.
The first Fred Korematsu Day will be celebrated January 30, 2011.
