Remain Vigilant & Know Your Rights in Wake of Recent Attacks



The Sikh Coalition’s legal team has been in direct contact with community members and local law enforcement in both cases to offer legal aid, advocacy and communications support. The first case that occurred on July 31, 2018 in Keyes, CA is clearly recognized as a hate crime and police are investigating it as one while the suspects remain on the loose. In the most recent assault that took place in Manteca, CA on August 6, 2018, we know that police have



“We are deeply troubled by these two recent attacks and strongly encourage increased vigilance nationwide as we work to support the Central Valley, CA community during this difficult time,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director Amrith Kaur. “If you or someone you know has experienced a potential hate crime, please reach out to our team. We have a seasoned team of lawyers who can provide free legal advice and support you through the process to protect your rights.”



The Sikh Coalition provides completely free and confidential legal assistance to Sikhs who have been discriminated against or subject to bias based upon their religious beliefs or identity. If you believe you have been discriminated against or subject to bias, please



TAKE ACTION & KNOW YOUR RIGHTS



1. Report Tips on the Keyes, CA and Manteca, CA Cases - If you or somebody you know has potential information about the attackers involved in either of these cases, please immediately contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or directly report this information to the law enforcement agencies involved. For the Keyes case, please contact Detective Barringer at 209-525-7038 or the Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. For the Manteca case, please contact Detective Gutierrez at 209-456-8223.



2. Report Hate Incidents – If you or somebody you know has experienced hate violence, bias-based property damage, hate vandalism, or threats thereof, call law enforcement immediately and seek medical attention if needed. Please be aware that law enforcement should not ask you about your immigration status, and in the event that they do, you have the right to not answer this question. If you would like to have a free and confidential consultation with experienced attorneys in either English or Punjabi, please contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or



3. Know Your Rights – Please be aware of your surroundings and know your rights. Download our



4. Share Gurdwara Security Toolkit – Print or email our



5. Share This Information With Your Friends and Family – Forward this email to your immediate friends and family. Encourage them to sign up for the Sikh Coalition’s



As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.

August 8, 2018 (New York, NY) – In response to two recent vicious assaults against Sikh community members in Keyes, CA and Manteca, CA , the Sikh Coalition urges sangat members to know their rights, remain vigilant and always report cases of bias, bigotry and backlash.The Sikh Coalition’s legal team has been in direct contact with community members and local law enforcement in both cases to offer legal aid, advocacy and communications support. The first case that occurred on July 31, 2018 in Keyes, CA is clearly recognized as a hate crime and police are investigating it as one while the suspects remain on the loose. In the most recent assault that took place in Manteca, CA on August 6, 2018, we know that police have arrested two potential suspects . We are working with local law enforcement and community members to monitor the ongoing investigation and determine the motivating factors.“We are deeply troubled by these two recent attacks and strongly encourage increased vigilance nationwide as we work to support the Central Valley, CA community during this difficult time,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director Amrith Kaur. “If you or someone you know has experienced a potential hate crime, please reach out to our team. We have a seasoned team of lawyers who can provide free legal advice and support you through the process to protect your rights.”The Sikh Coalition provides completely free and confidential legal assistance to Sikhs who have been discriminated against or subject to bias based upon their religious beliefs or identity. If you believe you have been discriminated against or subject to bias, please fill out our legal intake form to request free legal assistance.1.- If you or somebody you know has potential information about the attackers involved in either of these cases, please immediately contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or directly report this information to the law enforcement agencies involved. For the Keyes case, please contact Detective Barringer at 209-525-7038 or the Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. For the Manteca case, please contact Detective Gutierrez at 209-456-8223.2.– If you or somebody you know has experienced hate violence, bias-based property damage, hate vandalism, or threats thereof, call law enforcement immediately and seek medical attention if needed. Please be aware that law enforcement should not ask you about your immigration status, and in the event that they do, you have the right to not answer this question. If you would like to have a free and confidential consultation with experienced attorneys in either English or Punjabi, please contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or fill out our reporting form 3.– Please be aware of your surroundings and know your rights. Download our FAQ guide on hate crimes and hate speech and learn how to report incidents to authorities and the Sikh Coalition. Our hate crime poster can be displayed at your gurdwara and is available in both English and Punjabi. Additionally, we provide educational brochures that serve as an introduction to the Sikh faith, community and traditions. This resource is available in 18 different languages. To receive free copies of any of our available resources , please email us at education@sikhcoalition.org 4.– Print or email our Gurdwara Security Toolkit , and share it with your gurdwara. In 2017, over 50 gurdwaras worked with the Sikh Coalition to take proactive steps to make their gurdwaras safer. Ask your gurdwara if they have already participated, and if they haven’t, please have a committee member email us at community@sikhcoalition.org for a free consultation.5.– Forward this email to your immediate friends and family. Encourage them to sign up for the Sikh Coalition’s email alerts so that they can continue to receive related updates on resources and information. Take the next easy step and post this information to your social media accounts. It is critical that we disseminate this information to every sangat member so that if a hate crime happens, they know we are here to provide free and confidential legal resources.As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.