UNITED SIKHS volunteers conducted TSA Awareness events at North Carolina airports. They met with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Charlotte Douglas Airport (North Carolina) to educate TSA staff about Sikh culture and identity,so that Sikh articles of faith are correctly identified and proper procedures can be followed at the Airports.
The meeting took place in response to a recent spike in incidents of profiling of Sikhs at Charlotte Douglas Airport. It was coordinated by TSA’s diversity committee to provided an excellent platform to outline some of the common problems and challenges faced by the Sikh community because of their unique identity. TSA employees also had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the Sikh community.
The recent terrorist threats against the United States have resulted in increased levels of security and heightened passenger screening at airports. Sikhs have reported being subjected to increased screening measures due to a lack of understanding about Sikh articles of faith.
Mr. David Wray, Federal Security Director and head of TSA Charlotte began the meeting by saying, “Knowledge about other cultures dispels fears about them”. Ms.Sandra Holding, Assistant Federal Security Director of Law Enforcement noted, “Sometimes seeing, holding and feeling articles of faith makes a big difference and enhances media based training. The knowledge stays in the mind longer”.
Mr. David Wray, Federal Security Director and head of TSA Charlotte began the meeting by saying, “Knowledge about other cultures dispels fears about them”. Ms.Sandra Holding, Assistant Federal Security Director of Law Enforcement noted, “Sometimes seeing, holding and feeling articles of faith makes a big difference and enhances media based training. The knowledge stays in the mind longer”.
Ms. Ana Bosnjak wearing a turban. Mr. David Wray and other TSA employees
It was an immensely valuable educational experience for TSA employees and UNITED SIKHS members to have such a productive dialogue about the Sikh articles of faith. TSA employees got first-hand experience holding and feeling a Kirpan.The TSA employees asked several questions regarding the Turban and Sikh Symobls.
"Personal interaction satisfies curiosity”, said Damanvir Kaur, a volunteer.TSA’s training department offered to continue to work with the community to supplement media training with personal interactions and Q&A sessions.
Damanvir Kaur talking to TSA employees about Kirpan and Turban
awanjit Singh and Pushpinder Singh with Mr. David Wray, Federal Security Director
With thanks : UNITED SIKHS
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