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Ways to Support Your Sikh Students

Prevent Bullying: Over 50% of Sikh students report experiencing bullying or harassment because of their Sikh identity. Teach students and staff about Sikhism to help dispel common stereotypes and misconceptions that are often at the root of bullying.  

Social and Emotional Learning: Sikh students can feel marginalized or isolated when their religious identity is misunderstood or ignored. Educate yourself about Sikhism and integrate lessons and materials into your classroom to help all students deepen their understanding of and appreciation for the diverse identities that make up your school community.  

Include Sikh Stories: The representation of minorities in the media and in classroom materials affects both how minorities are perceived and how minority students see themselves. Add books with Sikh characters to your classroom library and include examples of everyday and famous Sikhs alongside other individuals in your curriculum. 

Advocate for Religious Liberty: The First Amendment protects Sikh students’ right to wear their articles of faith, such as the turban or kirpan, at school and during athletic activities. Make sure all students, teachers, and staff are familiar with First Amendment principles and understand their responsibility to protect the religious freedom rights for students from all faith traditions.

Break the Silence 

Encourage people to stand up against bullying and share this video. 

Nine strategies to get to know and support your Sikh student:
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1. Learn the correct pronunciation of your Sikh student’s name.
2. Know the common misconceptions that surround your Sikh student’s identity and traditions.
3. Teach respect by openly voicing zero tolerance for identity-related bullying of Sikh students.
4. Be familiar with the language/terminology associated with your Sikh student’s identity.
5. Know how to tie a Sikh student’s ‘Patka’ (often needed in elementary school).
   
6. Include your Sikh student in sports, choir and theater to showcase his or her talent.
7. Advocate the inclusion of the Kaur Foundation’s Cultural Safari and other materials in your school.
8. Encourage peers and teachers to attend teacher training sessions offered by Kaur Foundation.
9. Plan a visit with your students to Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) close to you.​

Additional Resources

Bullying and Harassment

From the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects all students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity (including schools, colleges, and universities) receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department.

FACT SHEET: Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics (January 2023)
This fact sheet describes ways Title VI covers students who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, or of another religious group.

Know Your Rights: Title VI and Religion (January 2017)
This document describes the types of harassment that are covered by Title VI and how to identify when behaviors or harassment violate Title VI. Additional links to examples of covered discrimination and harassment are included.  

Religious Freedom Rights

U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (January 16, 2022)