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But
the engagement with law enforcement authorities
also centers around a second very pressing issue,
that of racial profiling. Let us explore each
of these two issues in turn.
First,
given the turbans it is in some ways no surprise
that some Americans have attacked many Sikhs
mistaking them for terrorists. Sikhs are grateful
to law enforcement agencies for their attempt
to promptly respond to these hate crimes.
Fortunately, the frequency of hate crimes seems
to have dropped somewhat in the weeks since
the attacks first occurred. In part this is
a result of a 'cool-down' in the temper of the
more volatile and dangerous segments of American
society. However, the drop in incidences of
hate crimes must also be attributed to the fact
that many Sikhs now are extremely careful about
exposing themselves to potential attacks, and
avoid high-risk situations such as sporting
events and insecure urban zones.
In
contrast to the declining violence, the issue
that is increasingly on the horizon for Sikh
Americans is that of racial profiling. In the
period immediately following the attacks, many
Sikhs (as well as Arabs and Muslims) found themselves
scrutinized by police officers even while engaging
in normal activities -- shopping, eating in
restaurants, travelling, etc. Some have even
been detained or arrested for reasons that seem
to be manufactured. And a trend that is actually
increasing rather than declining is harassment
at airport security.
Though
it is humiliating for religious reasons for
Sikhs to remove their turbans in public, many
Sikhs at airport security are being asked to
do just that, even if there is no indication
from the metal detector that a weapon may be
concealed within the turban itself. In all of
these cases, there is no cause for suspicion
of Sikhs other than the turbans on their heads
and the color of their skins.
Much
to their credit, African American and Hispanic
leaders have been continually criticizing racial
profiling practices for years. The tide of law
enforcement protocol was moving toward specifically
banning this practice nationally. Not only is
it unconstitutional, black leaders have suggested,
racial profiling doesn't work. Race by itself
is not a viable criterion for ascertaining probable
cause or criminal intent -- and this is as true
after September 11 as it was before that terrible
day.
While
black leaders have continued to denounce racial
profiling after the terrorist attacks, many
other leaders in the changed political landscape
are now backpedaling on this issue. Those in
favor of profiling argue that it is necessary
for national security in an emergency situation.
Some also argue that religion and race is two
separate things and are stating that religious
profiling may be appropriate while mere racial
profiling might not be. We strongly feel the
need to work together to continue to put pressure
on the political leadership to adhere to the
principle of fairness and equal protection.
The
Sikh community would like to strengthen its
ties with the black community, especially given
that there is wide agreement over the practice
of racial profiling. Ending this practice will
strengthen the faith of America's minorities
(both religious and ethnic) in their law enforcement.
Ending racial profiling will also, we believe,
make the massive anti-terrorist law enforcement
effort now afoot even more successful in the
long run.
In
conclusion we would like to list recommendations
for law enforcement regarding the appropriate
and sensitive handling of the Sikh turban.
Avoid
indiscriminate touching of a Sikh's head.
Do not forcibly remove the turban of a Sikh.
Explain the reason if the turban is required
to be removed and have the Sikh remove the turban
himself/herself in a private place.
Handle the turban with respect.
Provide a piece of cloth to cover the head if
the turban is to be kept removed.
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