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This Press Release may be read online at: https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-12-02-2008-01.html
Press Release: 12th Feb 2008, Tuesday 1st Phalgun (Samvat 539 Nanakshahi)
EEOC Visits Dallas Gurdwara to Raise Awareness on Employment Discrimination |
Sikhs Encouraged to Counter Discrimination at the Workplace |
Dallas, TX: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) visited Dallas’ Gurdwara Singh Sabha Sunday, January 27th, in an effort to educate the Sikh community about employment discrimination, and to provide strategies to prevent, address, and contest discriminatory practices. Approximately 500 people were in attendance, listening as EEOC officials explained the many facets of workplace discrimination. The EEOC highlighted many of the issues Sikhs face at the workplace, and explained ways to counter them. Representing the EEOC were Belinda F. McCallister and Beverly Squire, both EEOC Investigators, and Michael Fetzer, Director of the EEOC Regional Office in Dallas.
The EEOC is a federal agency working to end employment discrimination within the United States, primarily by reviewing and litigating cases on behalf of employees who are victims of workplace discrimination.
In addition, the EEOC made a presentation informing the congregation of their rights in the workplace, detailing discrimination regarding hiring, pay raises, and promotions. EEOC representatives also discussed what to do if discrimination occurs and how to seek redress. Brochures and pamphlets were also distributed to the attendees, covering many of the issues in the presentation.
According to Harpreet Singh, Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS, “The EEOC is collaborating with UNITED SIKHS to create educational programs to inform the EEOC staff regarding discriminatory practices that the Sikh community encounters, and to instruct the Sikhs about their rights in the workplace.” Commenting on the collaborative effort, Fetzer stated, “We are looking forward to working with the Sikh community and we thank UNITED SIKHS for the opportunity to speak and to learn about the Sikh faith.”
In an effort to create a better dialogue and understanding on the Sikh faith and community, UNITED SIKHS have been requested to present a seminar about Sikhism at the Dallas EEOC office, going into detail about the turban and other Sikh articles of faith. “We appreciate the hospitality displayed by the Sikhs in allowing us to come and address their community. This has been an educational experience for us, and we hope to use this information to help Sikh Americans arm themselves against workplace discrimination,” McCallister stated. An initiative is underway to inform employers and employees about the Sikh religion, the significance of the Sikh articles of faith, and the rights of Sikhs in the workplace.
“UNITED SIKHS thanks the EEOC representatives for taking time out to provide this information. We are eagerly collaborating our efforts with the EEOC to raise awareness in the Sikh community.” UNITED SIKHS director based in Dallas, Gurvinder Singh commented.
You may read a previous press release on Sikh awareness projects assisted by UNITED SIKHS at
https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-21-01-2008-00.html
Issued by:
Baljit Kaur
International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)
UNITED SIKHS
Email: law@unitedsikhs.org
1-646-315-3909
Our Mission
To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.
UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.
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Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.
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