Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Do Not Take Racial Profiling and Hate Crimes Lightly

US Attorney Ms Melinda Haag on Hate Crime Tracking Issue:


UNITED SIKHS organisation invited Honorable Ms.Melinda Haag, United States Attorney for the Northern District of California, at El Sobrante Gurdwara to explain her role as US Attorney, and to discuss the issues, concerns and challenges of Sikh Americans in the region.
Honourable Haag who also works very closely with the FBI and law enforcement officials to prosecute federal crimes informed UNITED SIKHS Director, Jatinder SIngh that a call has been placed already to the FBI Special Agent In Charge and a member of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee about the hate crime tracking issue raised by the community.She said"The United States Attorneys have a broader role in our communities. We have a role in outreach with all of our communities to make sure that the people in our districts know when they have a problem, we can address them".She listened concerns of Sikh Americans who were victims of hate crimes,workplace discrimination and bullying in schools. she assured that the office of United States Attorney for the Northern District of California is aware of the challenges and obstacles faced by the Sikh community in workplace and schools, and is committed to provide maximum support to resolve such issues.

UNITED SIKHS’ Director,Jatinder Singh said,"In the decade aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, Sikhs and other minority communities have faced a rapid increase in hate crimes. Such incidents continually highlight the issue of Sikhs being targeted for their distinct external appearance and dress code.Just recently, Sikhs had incidents like stabbing of Sikh preacher Anup Singh by a 26 year old at an airport in Fresno,CA and murder of two elderly Sikh men in suburban Sacramento. All these three men were wearing dastaars (Sikh turbans)and sported beards in accordance with their Sikh faith.

With Thanks: UNITED SIKHS

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