Dear Supporter Ji,

I am writing with urgency because today we need your help to ensure that our next education victory is in Arizona.

Last fall, the Arizona Department of Education listened to requests for Sikh inclusion from the Sikh Coalition, Arizona’s Sikh community, and interfaith allies. Thanks to this collective action, the good news is that Sikhism has been included in three places in the current draft of Arizona’s History and Social Science standards.

However, as the final draft is being reviewed, there is potential for pushback. In order for over half a million students in Arizona to accurately learn about Sikhs, we need you, your family and friends in Arizona to express support of this inclusion.

Your input is critical! The survey closes on May 28th, so please take ten minutes to complete it today.

While the survey seems long, you can skip to the sections that are relevant to the inclusion of Sikhism. Below is a step-by-step guide to provide feedback.

TAKE ACTION

Step 1 – Go to the Arizona K-12 Standards Feedback website.
Step 2 – Complete questions 1-7.
Step 3 – Fill out the following questions that impact the inclusion of Sikhism:
- Question 16: “Strongly Agree” to indicate your approval of the increased commitment to diversity demonstrated in this updated draft.
- Question 17: Enter a comment about why you believe the standards should be adopted with Sikh inclusion. Here is a sample comment:
  The addition of Sikhism, the 5th largest world religion, to Arizona’s standards is a monumental step toward inclusive education. These standards show an increased commitment to students of diverse backgrounds and I applaud the Department of Education for this important progress.
- Question 18: “Strongly Agree” to indicate your approval of this change.
- Question 19: Enter a comment about why these standards should be adopted. Here is a sample comment:
  This standards draft should be adopted. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that these improved standards have on students of all backgrounds in Arizona.
- Question 62: “Strongly Agree”
- Question 68: This question refers to the portion of the 6th grade standards where Sikhism is mentioned. Here is a sample comment indicating your support:
  The addition of Sikhism alongside other world religions will help decrease bullying and increase appreciation of the contributions of Sikh Americans to their communities. I strongly encourage the Board of Education to maintain this important improvement to the standards.
- Question 83 “Strongly Agree”
- Question 84: This question refers to a portion of the High School standards where Sikhism is included. Here is a sample comment to indicate your support:
  “Teaching High School students about major world religions, including Sikhism, is critical to student development as Arizona schools prepare students to be productive members of an increasingly diverse society. I urge the Board of Education to maintain the progress toward inclusion demonstrated in this draft.
Step 4 – Click “Done” to submit your comments.

Please encourage your family, friends, and coworkers in Arizona to submit feedback as well. There is strength in numbers, and we need the Arizona Department of Education to know that this issue is a top priority for our community.

Thank you for your support!

Chardi Kala,

Satjeet Kaur
Executive Director
The Sikh Coalition

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