WASHINGTON DC, USA—Late Monday afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H. Res. 5317, a bill to name the U.S. Post Office on Addicks Howell Road in Houston, the “Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office”.
The Bill was sponsored by Congresswoman Fletcher (D-TX) last year, and after working with the local community and SALDEF Regional Director, Bobby Singh, over the past year, made its way to the floor and was passed. “The Houston community and the entire Sikh American community thank Congresswomen Fletcher for her efforts and dedication in making this Bill a reality,” said SALDEF Regional Director Bobby Singh. “She has been the key legislator who worked passionately with her colleagues in Congress to bring this to a successful vote.”
Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was shot and killed Friday, September 27, 2019, during a routine traffic stop in Harris County, Texas. A 10-year veteran, Dhaliwal, made history when the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) amended their uniform policy for Sikhs to serve with their beards and dastaars (Sikh turban) while on patrol. He became the first HCSO deputy to be allowed to wear a turban and articles of the Sikh faith while on duty.
“SALDEF would like to thank Congresswomen Fletcher for her leadership on this bill,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “We are grateful to her for this partnership over the last year, to create a meaningful and significant tribute to honor the life and memory of Deputy Dhaliwal. The naming memorializes the trailblazing work of Deputy Dhaliwal and reconfirms that Sikh Americans are part of the fabric of this country, and we look forward to the unveiling of the new name in the future.”
Following its successful passage in the House, this resolution will now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote and ultimately to the White House for signature, hopefully by the end of the year.
SALDEF will continue to work with law enforcement through its Law Enforcement Partnership Program that provides anti-bias training and support for religious accommodations. Through this program, SALDEF supported Deputy Dhaliwal in receiving his accommodations. Our programs are made possible because of supporters like you.
Sikh24 readers can join SALDEF in supporting the work done by Congresswomen Fletcher by clicking here to send her a thank you letter.
