In continued engagement with the highest levels of the U.S. Government, SALDEF met with FBI Director Robert Mueller to discuss issues affecting the Sikh American community. SALDEF was the only Sikh American organization present at the June 24th meeting. The discussion involved dialogue about terrorism, hate crimes, community engagement, and recruitment. The meeting was a candid discussion about the state of FBI community engagement activities and the government’s efforts to protect our families and children.
In related news, a Sikh American man was told to remove his religiously mandated dastaar (turban) due to an alleged “TSA [Transportation Security Administration] imposed increased screening scrutiny” during the July 4th holiday travel weekend. The traveler (name withheld) informed the screeners of his rights and was given the options afforded by the TSA protocol.
SALDEF has contacted TSA and Department of Homeland Security officials to highlight this incident and also to determine whether there was in fact any such increased scrutiny this past weekend at the nation’s airports.
Additionally, SALDEF requests that you please document your screening experience so we may continue to inform TSA if their protocols are being followed.
