Sikhs in the United States are a peaceful family oriented people whose focus centers on:
- Naam japna - remembering God through meditation.
- Kirat karo - earning an honest living.
- Vand chakko - seva, sharing and selfless service.
Sikhs have a unique appearance. Keeping hair and beard, wearing of turban and traditional dress and articles of faith cause Sikhs to stand out, sometimes as a target of bias related incidents.
Sikh values at odds with western society may result in misunderstandings. Sikh children have been challenged by school authorities for wearing articles of faith. Fortunately in the United States of America freedom of religion is guaranteed and civil rights are upheld. Unfortunately Sikh children have sadly been the object of ridicule and subject bullying in the classroom setting. Bias related incidents include forced removal of a Sikh child's turban then setting it afire, forcible cutting of a Sikh child's hair considered to sacred to Sikhs, and physical assault causing bodily harm such as a broken nose.
Sikh American citizens of the United States are patriots proud both of their American citizenship and of their country. If you or any one you know has had civil rights violated or been the victim of a bias related incident or bullying, please report it using this form:
United Sikhs - Bias Incident Report & Brochure
Sikh Coalition - Report Bias Incident
Saldef - Report Bias Incident
Thank you for sharing such wonderful information about what Sikhs children endure at school. I had no idea!
If someone held an adult down on a street corner and cut off their hair it would be considered battery and punishable by law. Crimes against children should be enforced. Schools have to offer sex ed classes. I think that they should also have to offer racial and cultural tolerance classes as well.
It sickens me to hear of intolerant acts against people who are “different.” America was founded on principles of religious freedom. Thanks for doing your part to educate others on the meaning of Sikh traditions and about Sikh culture.
Information and lessons in understanding and tolerance are often the only way to overcome bias. We really need to start instilling those things in and with our children as soon as they are born….
Children are cruel — it is an outgrowth of how we develop and grow as human beings. But adults are there (or should be) to teach, mentor, and model understanding and acceptance of others. Regardless of religion, ethnicity, physical characteristics, disabilities, or life choices.
One person taking an unswerving stand can change a group, a school, a community, a country, or even the world. Without that first person, however, change will not happen.
God Bless America! Even though it’s not perfect, we sure try to be free. We are supposed to have freedom of religion. I’m sorry to hear that Sikhs — or anyone for that matter — has had to face prejudice, ridicule, or bullying as described here. The rest of us should not tolerate such injustices. Happy fourth of July to all!
How sad to hear of such mean intolerance being directed at children. We all need to remember the beliefs in religious freedom on which this country was founded.
It’s sad that these children have to suffer bias criticisms simply because they are wearing a turban.
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Wonderful and informative post. TFS!
I’m sorry to hear those. I thought discrimination has long been gone in the US.
That’s very sad to hear. I’m sorry that the Sikh children have to suffer. Thanks for raising awareness.
Happy WW.
Thank you for always sharing such provocative information. I hope it helps get the word out, and I hope it helps bridge the gap so this type of behavior can end.
It is sad, yet only surprising in the details.
It’s depressing to think that children of any faith would be harmed or harassed at school. I hope that many, many school administrators, principals and teachers are reading this important blog post.
People are people no matter where you are, but sadly there is still lots of ignorance in the world.