Skip to main content

University of North Carolina Charlotte apologizes to the Sikh community

Charlotte, North Carolina: A Sikh student on the campus of the University of North Carolina Charlotte had to face harassment last week. He was handcuffed and detained merely for wearing a kirpan — a Sikh article of faith. Such mistreatment of a Sikh student and gross ignorance displayed by the 76-year-old university about Sikhism shocked the Sikh community around the world. Sikhs have been part of the American social fabric for over a century. People on social media questioned the lack of understanding about Sikhism at the university, known for taking pride in its diversity. 

US University security harassing a Sikh student 

UNITED SIKHS applauded the quick response from the university — as Chancellor Dr. Sharon L. Gaber issued an apology on the university website. We had written to the Dean of Students, Dr. Christine Reed Davis, seeking an apology for the misconduct that had taken place with Aman Singh. The apology from the Chancellor stated that they will use the incident “as a learning opportunity by engaging in constructive dialogue with Sikh students and employees”.  It also stated that they “apologize”, that the student didn’t feel “welcomed, supported and safe” that day, as they wanted every student to feel so, further adding that they are “committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again.”

UNITED SIKHS shared with them a Sikhism Fact Sheet. We also offered to provide sensitivity training to the university staff and security, about Sikhism and Sikh articles of faith.

“Despite bad behavior by the police on the campus, Aman Singh was graceful, resilient, and showed leadership — everyone should practice their faith freely and fearlessly,” Manvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Advocacy Director said.

“All institutions, particularly, universities that attract students and staff from around the world must have a mandate to sensitize students and staff about Sikhism and other world religions, cultures, and traditions. It is essential to create a culture of co-existence to prevent incidents of racism and misconduct with students and members of any community,” he stated.

We appreciate the efforts of Sikh organizations around the world for raising their voice in this case and lending support to Aman Singh.

Everyone should be able to practice their faith freely and without fear. If you face harassment and discrimination because of your faith, please write to us. BW

 

 

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Specttrum Profiles Marks Promising Beginning

New Delhi, 20 July 2026 :  Specttrum Profiles , a new editorial initiative by senior journalist and author Narvijay Yadav, has made a promising beginning with the publication of ten carefully researched human-interest profiles within its first week. The initiative documents inspiring individuals, organisations and ideas through factual, narrative-style stories that highlight the journey behind the achievements. The first ten profiles feature personalities from diverse fields, including sports, medicine, public administration, architecture, finance, rehabilitation, innovation, leadership and social service. The response from those featured has been encouraging. Many shared their profiles across social media, while several described the experience as emotional and memorable. Dr. Manish Kumar Singh appreciated the profile as “very well written” and later contributed additional memories to enrich his story. State Information Commissioner Swatantra Prakash Gupta called it “ Shandaar ”...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sanjeev Chadha, Group Chairman of Yield 4 Finance accepted into the Forbes Business Council

Chandigarh : Sanjeev Chadha, Chairman, Yield Group of Companies, a premier provider of financial instruments in trade transactions, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide.   Sanjeev Chadha, Group Chairman of Yield 4 Finance Chadha was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. “We are honored to welcome Sanjeev Chadha into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes the Forbes Business Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on...
Post a Comment
Read more

ThinkNEXT gets the 'Most Trusted Digital Marketing & Industrial Training Company of The Year' Award

Chandigarh : Mohali-based IT concern ThinkNEXT Technologies has been declared The Most Trusted Digital Marketing and Industrial Training Company of The Year. Munish Mittal, ThinkNEXT's Director received the coveted award recently at an event 'Iconic Business Summit and Awards -2021’ held in the national capital New Delhi .   Munish Mittal, Director, ThinkNEXT Technologies receives the 'Most Trusted Digital Marketing & Industrial Training Co. of The Year’ Award at Iconic Business Summit & Awards-2021  Mittal received the award from renowned Bollywood actress and politician Jaya Prada and Miss Universe Romania Anca Verma. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Union Minister of State for Steel, and Chaudhary Uday Bhan Singh, Minister of State for Khadi and Village Industries, UP were also present. “I am happy that our efforts have been acknowledged. We were competing against hundreds of companies from across India , who along-with us  had participated in the summit. Apart from...
Post a Comment
Read more