Legal project updates

The Sikh Coalition is so appreciative of the sangat's support of the  Sikh Coalition’s “Legal  Work” project. The investment has been so important in pushing this work forward. 

In advance of Dasvandh Week we wanted to share updates on our legal work from the last 12 month. 

Orangevale Gurdwara Vandalism

In early January 2020, the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara Sahib in Orangevale, California was vandalized with the phrase “WHITE POWER” and a swastika. After alerting law enforcement, the gurdwara retained the Sikh Coalition to assist in the case and liaise with authorities. We also worked with gurdwara leadership to organize an interfaith solidarity open house attended by neighbors, elected officials, faith and community leaders, and partner organizations. Proactive media outreach by our communications team resulted in coverage of this case in all major local media outlets. Months later, the Sikh Coalition hosted a virtual forum for the Orangevale sangat where multiple law enforcement agencies provided updates on ongoing investigations of white nationalists in the area. 

Colorado Hate Crime Case

On April 29, 2020, Lakhwant Singh was verbally and physically attacked by a customer. Mr. Singh retained the Sikh Coalition to provide free legal support and push the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office to charge his attacker with a hate crime. Through these efforts more than 2,600 people sent emails to Jefferson County District Attorney urging him to pursue a hate crime charge; in addition, 29 organizations joined a sign-on letter urging for the same, and many others signed and delivered additional petitions from across the world.  

Legal Support for Sikh Healthcare Professionals

Our legal team directly helped doctors, dentists, nurses, and medical students secure accommodations and forms of PPE, like Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that protect those who maintain facial hair. We also worked with the North American Sikh Medical and Dental Association to produce legal guidance for Sikh medical professionals advising them of their religious rights, their employer’s obligation to protect their health, and how best to request an accommodation for appropriate PPE.

New Jersey Bullying Case

The Sikh Coalition is pursuing justice for a Sikh student who has suffered under a pattern of racial- and religious-based bullying since 2018. The school board previously failed to help the student after two “investigations,” and repeatedly downplayed the extent of the bullying--which was so severe that the student had to be removed from school. In July of this year, however, the school board was ordered to submit an answer to the suit filed against them in May by the Sikh Coalition and co-counsel. 

This is in addition to responding to 200+ legal intakes a year, filing joint amicus briefs, and our ongoing advocacy, education and community engagement work. As we continue to defend and safeguards religious freedom, we look forward to sharing more updates.