Sikhism

Landmark Gurdwara Approved in San Diego

November 29, 2001

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On November 29, 2001, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that "The Sikh Foundation of San Diego hopes to begin work on a golden-domed temple and multipurpose building by March now that its plans have been approved by the City Council here." The article continued, "When finished, the temple will have three domes topped with spires that could be more than 35 feet high. The temple, or gurdwara, also will have metal grillwork painted in copper and bronze colors."

Arson at New York Sikh Center, Gobind Sadan USA

November 27, 2001

Source: The Oswego Palladium-Times

On November 27, 2001, The Oswego Palladium-Times reported that "a substantial reward is expected to be offered for information relating to a fire which struck a Sikh house of worship Nov. 18." The article continued, "They are also looking at the fire in the former farmhouse as a possible hate crime, a federal offense...Investigators say the fire in Palermo is suspicious because it follows two other apparent acts of vandalism at the site." The article quoted Ralph Singh, co-founder of Gobind Sadan USA: "'The irony of this...

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Sikh Entrepreneur Finds Continuing Climate of Intolerance

November 27, 2001

Source: Asiaweek

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/magazine/life/0,8782,185618,00.html

The November 30, 2001 edition of Asiaweek magazine featured the story "If Looks Could Kill" about the experiences of Sikh entrepreneur Chirinjeev Kathuria with harassment on the streets, looks of fear on airplanes, and racial profiling. "'The verbal abuse I can handle,' he says...But Kathuria sees a darker possibility: that a virulent new prejudice against Sikhs,...

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Arson at New York Sikh Center, Gobind Sadan USA

November 27, 2001

Source: Gobind Sadan USA

http://www.gobindsadan.org/gsusa/messagetoamerica.shtml

On November 27, 2001, Baba Varsa Singh ("Babaji"), founder of Gobind Sadan, offered a "Message to America" about the suspected arson. "'Perhaps this is God's way of giving us the opportunity of bringing people of all faiths together to share in rebuilding this sacred house of God and making it an even more beautiful place.'" He offered thanks and cited the ways in which the community has...

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Celebrating Guru Nanak's Birthday in America, 2001

November 25, 2001

Source: The Seattle Times

On November 25, 2001, The Seattle Times featured the story "Sikhs gather to mark founder's birthday." It reported, "The occasion calls for feasting and for reflecting on Guru Nanak's message of peace and equality. The message is especially relevant this year, as Sikhs, locally and nationally, have been harassed since Sept. 11, likely by people who mistook the turbans and long beards worn by Sikh men" as those of turban-clad followers of Osama Bin Laden. The article noted that there are some 15,000 Sikhs in Washington state.

Interfaith Services Raise Questions for Clergy Members

November 24, 2001

Source: The Washington Post

On November 24, 2001, The Washington Post reported that "the events of Sept. 11 prompted an unprecedented number of interfaith services nationwide, featuring leaders of different religions praying for peace and remembering the more than 4,100 terrorist attack victims. But some religious leaders have questioned the appropriateness of their clergy participating in such gatherings...'The basic question is: Does my participation enhance my witness of Jesus Christ or obscure it?' said the Rev. Karl K. Schmidt, pastor of Bethany...

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Arson at New York Sikh Center, Gobind Sadan USA

November 24, 2001

Source: The Valley News

http://www.valleynewsonline.com/news/2001/1124/Front_Page/017.html

On November 24, 2001, The Valley News reported, "Sikh worship house fire evidence sent to federal lab in Maryland." The article noted, "Evidence from the fire that destroyed a Sikh house of worship in the Town of Palermo may take up to two weeks to analyze, according to local and federal law-enforcement officials." Co-founder Ralph Singh was quoted as saying, "'When...

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EEOC Reports, Responds to Workplace Bias After September 11

November 22, 2001

Source: The Boston Globe

On November 22, 2001, The Boston Globe reported, "Workplace bias claims jump after September 11." The article noted, "The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has received 123 complaints of workplace bias nationwide against Muslims between Sept. 11 and Nov. 20, up from 47 for the same period last year. Alarmed by the increase, the EEOC joined this week with the US Justice and Labor Departments in urging employers to promote tolerance on the job." Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, now a professor at Brandeis University was...

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EEOC Reports, Responds to Workplace Bias After September 11

November 19, 2001

Source: EEOC

http://www.eeoc.gov/press/11-19-01-js.html

On November 19, 2001, the EEOC, the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor issued the "Joint Statement Against Employment Discrimination in the Aftermath of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks." It read, in part: "Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, we have seen compassion and respect for people of all faiths, races, and national and ethnic origins in workplaces throughout our country. One month after the attacks,...

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Arson at New York Sikh Center, Gobind Sadan USA

November 19, 2001

Source: The Post-Standard

On November 19, 2001 The Post-Standard reported, "Sikh Temple Burns in Palermo." It noted, "A suspicious fire early Sunday extensively damaged Gobind Sadan, USA, an interfaith religious center in Palermo where many of Central New York's Sikhs worship...The fire damaged the main building of Gobind Sadan, USA, an Interfaith Retreat and Meditation Center, where people from all religions interact and offer spiritual counseling." Despite extensive damage to the building, the Guru Granth Sahib (the religious scripture of the Sikhs) was...

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Sikhs in Espanola, New Mexico Respond

November 18, 2001

Source: The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,6439~229440,00.html

On November 18, 2001, The Denver Post reported, "Sikhs face misplaced anger: Group at temple in New Mexico still fears backlash." This article focuses on the Espanola Sikh community, Sikh Dharma, which includes a large number of U.S.-born converts to Sikhism. The article noted that amidst fears of backlash and profiling is the goal of education. "The Sikhs have taken their...

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Editorial: "We don't need a new wave of hysteria"

November 14, 2001

Source: The Tallahassee Democrat

http://web.tallahasseedemocrat.com/content/tallahassee/2001/11/14/opinion/1114.oped.ivins.htm

On November 14, 2001, The Tallahassee Democrat featured the editorial by Molly Ivins, "We don't need a new wave of hysteria." She wrote, "Our most valuable resource against terrorism in the long run will almost certainly be Arab Americans. Among them are the bravest of the brave. Look at why many of...

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Florida Sikhs Show Support, Invite Shalala

November 12, 2001

Source: The Miami Herald

http://www.miami.com/herald/content/news/local/broward/digdocs/014758.htm

On November 12, 2001 The Miami Herald reported, "Local Sikhs show support for America: UM president Shalala is guest at special service. "The congregation of the Sikh Society Temple of South Florida... presented a check for $8,500 for the United Way Sept. 11 fund to University of Miami President Donna Shalala....'We were all shocked by the Sept. 11...

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