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

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

Deepanjan Charitable Trust and Lions Group Veg hosted an online webinar

Deepanjan Charitable Trust and Lions Group Veg got together to host an online webinar after a day of activity of distributing free 500 packets of sanitary pads on 28 May 2020. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a leading Dermatologist and a trusted name in the field of Skin care she is a trustee of the Deepanjan Charitable Trust started by her mother Dr Anjan Prakash (Retired Add MS RML Hospital). This trust manufactures Oxo biodegradable sanitary pads called Laddlee which are also available at KVIC stores and were launched by Minister Nitin Gadkari last year. Gaurav Gupta from Lions Group is a famous name in social philanthropy and is always at the helm of doing social work and activities.  Gaurav Gupta being a man was called Laadla as this webinar on Facebook and zoom and YouTube had an audience of 1000 people and went for more than 2 hours as people didn’t leave.  Few celebrity guests and thinkers who shared fantastic ideas in the panel discussion to name were Member...
Post a Comment
Read more

Amity University Holds Farewell Function for Passing out Batch of 2023

Mohali: Amity University bid farewell to its graduating batch of 2023 in a spectacular event filled with glitz, glamour, and Bollywood flair. The farewell, organized with a theme inspired by the world of Indian cinema, brought together students, faculty, and esteemed guests to commemorate the memorable journey of the graduating class. The farewell ceremony kicked off with a grand welcome for the outgoing students, who were bestowed with fun titles in true Bollywood style. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the immediate juniors delighted the audience with their captivating performances, showcasing dance styles including bhangra, gidda, fusion, and freestyle,  sprinkled with a pinch of Bollywood tadka and a generous dose of drama. The event also witnessed the crowning of Mr. and Miss Amity University Punjab, with Bhavya being crowned Miss Amity University Punjab and Hamish being crowned Mr. Amity University Punjab.  Dr. Shivali Dhingra, Dean of the Faculty of Man...
Post a Comment
Read more