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The Sikh Coalition is spearheading these efforts, and assisted Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher with writing H. Res. 616, the bipartisan congressional resolution Sikhs nationwide are imploring their member of Congress to sign on in support of.

If you or a colleague are interested in potentially covering this resolution, we would be happy to serve as a resource. We can provide further background intel and facilitate interviews with Sikh Coalition staff -- including Board Member Manpreet K. Singh, who spoke during Deputy Dhaliwal’s memorial service on October 2nd. And, of course, if you wish to sign the petition or encourage others to do so, you can find the link here.

Primary Press Contact: Rajanpreet Kaur
Media & Communications Manager, the Sikh Coalition
[email protected], (732) 823-9266

U.S. Sikhs Implore Congress to Honor Slain Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal

October 11, 2019 (Washington, DC) – This morning, Sikhs launched nationwide efforts to implore their members of Congress to honor the late Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal through a congressional resolution.

On Friday, September 27, 2019, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Dhaliwal was shot and killed at a traffic stop in northwest Houston, Texas. Serving in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office since 2009, Deputy Dhaliwal made headlines in 2015 for becoming the first officer in the department--and the state of Texas--to serve with his Sikh articles of faith. In doing so, he exemplified the Sikh ideal of seva (selfless service) to his Houston community.

In the days and weeks since his passing, Sikhs and others across the nation have joined the Houston sangat in honoring Deputy Dhaliwal and supporting his family and friends through this trying time. The bipartisan delegation of members of Congress from Houston, led by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, introduced H. Res. 616 to honor Deputy Dhaliwal and his legacy of seva, or selfless service to the community.

The Sikh Coalition assisted Congresswoman Fletcher with composing this resolution, and we continue working to honor Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy through spearheading this initiative on a national scale. Last week, we also worked with 98 current and former Sikh American law enforcement officials and U.S. military servicemembers to deliver letters calling on their respective institutions to streamline religious accommodations in the spirit of Deputy Dhaliwal’s service.

This bipartisan congressional resolution will honor Deputy Dhaliwal at one of the highest levels in our federal government and send another message to Americans that his legacy will not soon be forgotten.

For 18 years, the Sikh Coalition has worked to engage elected officials and the general public in order to raise Sikh awareness in the United States. For interviews with Sikh Coalition colleagues about this and other work, please contact Rajanpreet Kaur. For more detailed information on the Sikh community, faith and traditions please see our Sikhism Reporter’s Guide.

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Rajanpreet Kaur | Media and Communications Manager 
50 Broad St, Suite 504 
New York, NY 10004 
Cell: (732) 823-9266 | Office: (212) 655-3095 ext. 99
Fax: (212) 208-4611

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