SENATE RESOLUTION
8679
By Senators Dhingra, Billig, Saldaña, Boehnke, Valdez, C. Wilson, Nobles,
Cleveland, Lovelett, Pedersen, Kuderer, Shewmake, Hasegawa, Wagoner, Hansen,
Torres, Lovick, Frame, Stanford, and Kauffman
1 WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate recognize the invaluable
2 contributions of Sikh Americans to the cultural, economic, and social
3 fabric of our state; and
4 WHEREAS, Sikhs have a long and rich history in Washington State,
5 with communities that have been integral to the development and
6 prosperity of our region for over a century; and
7 WHEREAS, The principles of Sikhism, including equality, justice,
8 and service to humanity, align closely with the values upon which our
9 state and nation were founded; and
10 WHEREAS, Despite their significant contributions and unwavering
11 commitment to our communities, Sikhs have often faced discrimination,
12 harassment, and violence due to ignorance and prejudice; and
13 WHEREAS, One of the darkest chapters in this history occurred on
14 September 4, 1907, when a mob in Bellingham targeted Sikh laborers,
15 resulting in the infamous Bellingham Riots; and
16 WHEREAS, During these riots, Sikh workers were violently
17 attacked, their homes and businesses vandalized, and many were
18 forcibly expelled from the city, with some even facing death threats
19 and physical harm; and
20 WHEREAS, The Bellingham Riots serve as a stark reminder of the
21 dangers of xenophobia, racism, and bigotry, and highlight the
22 importance of standing united against hate in all its forms; and
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 1 WHEREAS, It is essential that we remember and reflect upon
2 this tragic event in our history to ensure that such injustices
3 are never repeated and to reaffirm our commitment to building a
4 more inclusive and equitable society for all;
5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State
6 Senate honor and celebrate the contribution of Sikhs in
7 Washington State and recognize their significant role in shaping
8 our state's history and identity; and
9 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
10 reaffirm its commitment to combatting discrimination, hatred,
11 and violence against Sikhs and all marginalized communities, and
12 to promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding throughout
13 our state.
14 I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate,
15 do hereby certify that this is a true and
16 correct copy of Senate Resolution 8679,
17 adopted by the Senate
18 February 21, 2024
19 SARAH BANNISTER
20 Secretary of the Senate
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