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PRINTER'S NO. 1602
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 277
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY KEARNEY, HUGHES, COSTA, HAYWOOD, STREET, KANE,
VOGEL AND CAPPELLETTI, APRIL 17, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 17, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Sikh Awareness and
Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to promote public
awareness of the Sikh faith, recognize the important
contributions of the Sikh community and combat anti-Sikh
bigotry.
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is enriched by the diversity of its
residents who have cultivated a climate of social tolerance and
intellectual pluralism that has sustained this Commonwealth
throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Guru Nanak in 15th century Punjab, India,
the Sikh monotheistic tradition teaches its adherents to
practice the universal principles of truthful living, service to
humanity and devotion to God; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community began immigrating to the United
States in the late 1800s and has played an important role in
developing this country and this Commonwealth while enriching
American culture, history, economy and diversity; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion, with
more than 25 million adherents worldwide, including
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approximately 500,000 in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Believing that every human being, regardless of
race, gender or creed, is equal in the eyes of God, Sikhism
emerged as a pioneer of social justice, with female
participation in religious ceremonies widely encouraged and
interfaith efforts to fight oppression regularly pursued; and
WHEREAS, The religion's emphasis on loving service to
humanity also inspires Sikhs in this Commonwealth to make
lasting social contributions, such as providing free food to the
less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Despite their progressive principles and charitable
deeds, the American Sikh community commonly experiences
discrimination, often by individuals who are unaware of the
beliefs and practices of the faith; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs disproportionately experience school bullying,
with estimates indicating that more than 50% of all Sikh
children and roughly 67% of turbaned-Sikh children endure
physical or verbal abuse while at school; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 60% of Americans admit to knowing nothing
about the religion or its practitioners, and national rates of
anti-Sikh bigotry rose dramatically following the September 11th
terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS, Although the Sikh community continues to peacefully
overcome each attack on its cultural identity, the Commonwealth
wants to increase public awareness of Sikh faith and memorialize
the lasting contributions of its Sikh residents; and
WHEREAS, During the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh
Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines and on the
Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions and make
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rich contributions to the social, cultural and economic vibrancy
of the United States, including service as members of the United
States Armed Forces and significant contributions to our great
nation in agriculture, information technology, small businesses,
the hotel industry, trucking, medicine and technology; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering
respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth is committed to educating residents
about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity,
tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of
mutual understanding and the diminution of violence; and
WHEREAS, Because Vaisakhi, an annual festival that is held in
April to commemorate the creation of the Khalsa Panth, a
fellowship of devout Sikhs, is one of the most important Sikh
holidays, it is all together fitting and proper for the
Commonwealth to recognize the month of April as "Sikh Awareness
and Appreciation Month" in order to celebrate its Sikh community
and combat anti-Sikh bigotry; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of April 2026
as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to
promote public awareness of the Sikh faith, recognize the
important contributions of the Sikh community and combat anti-
Sikh bigotry.
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