Fighting for Accurate Sikh Representation on Capitol Hill

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The Sikh Coalition urges you to TAKE ACTION by taking two minutes to demand that Congressman Thanedar remove the word ‘Sikh’ from the caucus’ name.

Following the surprise announcement of a misleading “Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain Congressional Caucus'' by Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI), the Sikh Coalition continues our efforts to ensure that Sikhs are accurately and genuinely represented on Capitol Hill.

Despite the fact that the Sikh Coalition and others have met with the Congressman to express our concerns, he is still refusing to remove ‘Sikh’ from the caucus’ name. He now needs to hear directly from community members like you: The Sikh Coalition urges you to TAKE ACTION by taking two minutes to demand that Congressman Thanedar remove the word ‘Sikh’ from the caucus’ name.

If you are a member of the Michigan sangat, use the below form to send a message to Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI).

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MI Congressman Thanedar

Subject: Removal of “Sikh” from HBSJ Caucus

Message:

Dear Congressman Thanedar,

As a Sikh and a resident of Michigan, I am deeply alarmed by your actions in forming the “Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain Congressional Caucus,” and I write to request the immediate removal of the word “Sikh” from the caucus’ name. This is an issue I am deeply passionate about and will continue to take action on until you do the right thing.

First, your caucus claims to advocate for the Sikh community and speak on the issues that we care about—but in creating it, you failed to consult with even a single representative of the community. Every community must have the right to define itself, and we do not accept attempts to misrepresent ours.

Second, your decision to describe Sikhism as a “Dharmic religious community” is alarming, as this grouping has often been used to promote Hindu Nationalist interests and dilute the Sikh identity. Sikhism is a distinct and independent world religion, and should not be classified under a “Dharmic religious community” umbrella. Your attempt to do so undermines the ability to create any meaningful interfaith harmony for our communities. This caucus would be better served to promote interfaith harmony by removing ‘Sikh’ from the name and by working with other congressional advocates of the Sikh community.

Finally, I am aware that your office has already heard from the nation’s largest Sikh civil rights organizations and 10 gurdwaras in Michigan who are united in calling for the removal of the word ‘Sikh’ from the caucus’ name. To respect the desires of this unique faith community and to preserve any attempt to advance your caucus’ goals it is imperative that you act on our requests.

I will be carefully following this issue and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

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Sorry! This campaign is for those located in Michigan only.