Posted in ICHRALatest NewsPress Release
NJ Attorney General Grewal: A Shining Example of Sikhi
GLOBAL COMMUNITY ALERT
| Dear Veerjis & Bhenjis, |
| Your religious freedom is important to us. The derogatory remarks aired on NJ 101.5 FM last week referencing New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal as “turban man” reinforce the need to continue practicing our faith fearlessly and join efforts to raise public awareness about the historical contributions of Sikhs in American history and present-day society. |
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal
| While the initial suspension and public apology were positive first steps taken by the radio station, we have strongly urged NJ 101.5 leadership to establish ongoing workplace training provided through our Sikh Awareness Project. We have also invited the station’s staff and board of directors to join us for langar at Sikh Sabha of New Jersey, as highlighted in our statement to CNN immediately following the incident: |
| “This is an appalling comment that points to a lack of education and cultural sensitivity. Sikhs maintain our articles of faith, including unshorn hair and turbans, to represent equality and justice. However, these visible markers of religious identity also make us a target for bigotry by harassment, bullying of our children, and hate crimes,” UNITED SIKHS told CNN. |
| The organization had called for the duo to be suspended and for NJ 101.5, “to issue strong public apologies on all of its communications platforms. It also plans on reaching out to the radio station to offer their services, which typically involves a visit to a Sikh gurudwara, or place of worship. |
| Full CNN Article: https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/26/us/radio-hosts-nj-sikh-attorney-general-trnd/index.html |
| Please click here to read full letter to NJ 101.5. In light of this incident, we want to hear from you – what are some of the biggest challenges facing our community? Please share your thoughts with us and take our Global Civil Rights Survey, available here. |
| We will continue to bring you updates of our ongoing conversations with NJ 101.5 and remind you to please follow us on Facebook (UNITEDSIKHS.org), Twitter and Instagram (@UNITEDSIKHS) for the latest details. If you know an organization or company that could benefit from training offered by our Sikh Awareness Project, please email us at ops-usa@unitedsikhs.org. |
| KNOW & EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS! Additional education resources are available through our website: Right to Turban ProgramSikh Awareness ProjectHate Crime/Bias Incident Reporting Form |
| We appreciate you continued support! Please click to become a volunteer or donate to our efforts. |
