
Reason
State Assembly of New Jersery in a joint resolution declared to observe April as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" to combat increasing and unacceptable levels of anti-Sikh bigotryThe state wants to acknowledge the lasting contributions of the Sikh people and the essential role they play in New Jersey’s diverse community. Indiana and Delaware adopted similar resolutions earlier in the month.
Background
- Despite of progressive principles and charitable deeds, the American-Sikh community commonly experienced discrimination, often by individuals who are unaware of the beliefs and practices of the faith. Nearly 60 per cent of Americans admit to knowing nothing about the religion or its practitioners, and national rates of anti-Sikh bigotry rose dramatically following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
- Sikhs disproportionately experience school bullying, with estimates indicating that over 50 per cent of all Sikh children, and roughly 67 per cent of turbaned-Sikh children, endure physical or verbal abuse while at school.