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SALDEF Secures Apology From FBI Director
For Misleading Remarks About Sikh Americans
(Washington, D.C.) December 10, 2010 - In a letter to the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation's oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller has issued an apology and clarification for remarks linking Sikh Americans to terrorism at an intelligence conference in the Fall.
In early October, The Washington Times reported statements made by Director Mueller, which singled out Sikh Americans and linked them to extremist groups. SALDEF immediately issued a letter of concern calling for Director Mueller to clarify his remarks and issue a formal apology to the Sikh American community.
In response to SALDEF's letter of concern, the Office of the Director writes:
"I would like to apologize for, and clarify, any misunderstanding that the account in this newspaper story may have caused. The statement cited was intended to reiterate the FBI's responsibility for, and commitment to, deterring and investigating terrorist threats and activity. I can assure you it was not meant to single out any specific community, including Sikh-Americans."
The letter went on to recognize SALDEF's partnership with the FBI:
"The FBI and you, representing Sikh Americans and communities across the country, have worked closely together and developed an ongoing dialogue on a variety of issues of mutual interest. This includes cultural awareness training to agents and professional staff, giving all of us a greater awareness into the struggles and concerns you face in relation to hate crimes and public misconception of your faith."
"We are pleased that the FBI has addressed this issue promptly, however, this is indicative of the need for greater dialogue with the Bureau," stated Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director. "SALDEF will continue to ensure that public officials do not malign or otherwise denigrate the Sikh American community with their comments or actions."
About SALDEF
Founded in 1996, SALDEF is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and educational organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the civil rights of Sikh Americans through advocacy, education, and media relations. SALDEF’s mission is to create a fostering environment in the United States for future generations of Sikh Americans.
Contact SALDEF
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
1413 K St, NW, 5th floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-393-2700
Fax: 202-318-3344
Web: www.saldef.org
Email: info@saldef.org
© 2010 SALDEF All Rights Reserved.
WASHINGTON: FBI director Robert S. Mueller has apologised to a Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization for remarks linking Sikh Americans to terrorism at an intelligence conference in October.
The apology came in response to a letter of concern from the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF) over a report in The Washington Times about statements made by Mueller.
"I would like to apologize for, and clarify, any misunderstanding that the account in this newspaper story may have caused," his office said in a letter to.
"The statement cited was intended to reiterate the FBI's responsibility for, and commitment to, deterring and investigating terrorist threats and activity. I can assure you it was not meant to single out any specific community, including Sikh-Americans."
Recognizing SALDEF's partnership with the FBI, the letter said: "The FBI and you, representing Sikh Americans and communities across the country, have worked closely together and developed an ongoing dialogue on a variety of issues of mutual interest,"
"This includes cultural awareness training to agents and professional staff, giving all of us a greater awareness into the struggles and concerns you face in relation to hate crimes and public misconception of your faith,"
Expressing satisfaction over Mueller's letter, SALDEF Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh stated: "We are pleased that the FBI has addressed this issue promptly, however, this is indicative of the need for greater dialogue with the Bureau."
"SALDEF will continue to ensure that public officials do not malign or otherwise denigrate the Sikh American community with their comments or actions."
Read more: FBI chief regrets remarks about Sikh Americans - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ericans/articleshow/7082824.cms#ixzz17oxYWpXiRajneesh Madhok
The apology came in response to a letter of concern from the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF) over a report in The Washington Times about statements made by Mueller.
"I would like to apologize for, and clarify, any misunderstanding that the account in this newspaper story may have caused," his office said in a letter to.
"The statement cited was intended to reiterate the FBI's responsibility for, and commitment to, deterring and investigating terrorist threats and activity. I can assure you it was not meant to single out any specific community, including Sikh-Americans."
Recognizing SALDEF's partnership with the FBI, the letter said: "The FBI and you, representing Sikh Americans and communities across the country, have worked closely together and developed an ongoing dialogue on a variety of issues of mutual interest,"
"This includes cultural awareness training to agents and professional staff, giving all of us a greater awareness into the struggles and concerns you face in relation to hate crimes and public misconception of your faith,"
Expressing satisfaction over Mueller's letter, SALDEF Associate Executive Director Jasjit Singh stated: "We are pleased that the FBI has addressed this issue promptly, however, this is indicative of the need for greater dialogue with the Bureau."
"SALDEF will continue to ensure that public officials do not malign or otherwise denigrate the Sikh American community with their comments or actions."
Read more: FBI chief regrets remarks about Sikh Americans - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ericans/articleshow/7082824.cms#ixzz17oxYWpXiRajneesh Madhok
