It hurts to know:
In 2011, Sikhs are still fighting lawsuits against government agencies to secure equal opportunity.
It hurts to know:
In 2011, Sikh children are still being bullied because of their religion at much higher rates than average.
It hurts to know:
In 2011, Sikhs are still experiencing hate crimes due to ignorance and bigotry.
But we won't allow our spirits to be broken…
Because of your support, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new city law—initiated by the Sikh Coalition—called the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA). Consistent with the Sikh belief in sarbat da bhalla (universal well-being), the new law significantly enhances the right of all workers in New York City, regardless of their faith, to practice their religion in the workplace.
Because of your support, the Sikh Coalition has taken the voices of Sikh children to the highest levels of American government, including the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. Both the Secretary of Education and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights have acknowledged that bullying is a serious problem affecting Sikh children, marking the first time ever that Sikh youth issues are being noticed by the federal government.
Because of your support, we are creating powerful grassroots networks—including the Sikh Presenters Course and Sikh Advocate Academy—that will amplify the voice of the Sikh American community, create awareness and appreciation of Sikh traditions, and ensure that Sikhs will be respected as leaders and defenders of civil rights in American society.