Study Raises Concerns Over Bullying Of Bay Area Sikh Children

FREMONT (KCBS) _ A first of its kind report conducted by the non-profit Sikh Coalition found that in talking with hundreds of Bay Area Sikh children, many said they have been taunted with derogatory labels.

Some said they'd been punched and threatened with scissors, a major issue as hair is a sign of strength for Sikhs.

"Especially in California, where one would think this is a very diverse community," said Harpal Mann with the Fremont Gurdwara, a Sikh Temple. "And the Bay Area being the home to about 190,000 Sikhs, that you would not expect to see this."

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

Mann said many concerned parents are taking it upon themselves to go to schools to teach kids about Sikhs. But he said teachers also have to play a roll in preventing bullying.

"Sometimes teachers do see that and they don't do anything," he said. "That's where you would expect a responsible teacher to have precautionary measures taken in order to educate the students."

While the national average for kids being bullied is about 30 percent, 74 percent of Sikh boys who wear turbans and were questioned for the new report said they get harassed at school.

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