Sikh group calls for big response after turban set afire

Police in a Mercer County town say they are investigating a report that a high school student lit afire the turban worn by a Sikh student.

[JS - North Jersey]

The fact that this is not being handled as a bias crime is appalling. This sort of behavior is serious and extremely sociopathic. The more serious charge of arson will most likely be dropped and criminal mischief is nothing more than a slap on the wrist. As I see it this hateful miscreant is almost being rewarded as now the people are being forced to pay for his home-schooled education, so he doesn't get a prom BIG DEAL. I as a NJ resident would rather pay for his incarceration and maybe he will learn that hate crimes of any nature cannot be tolerated. If this individual was black or gay there would not even be a question about bias, America makes such a big deal about faith being so important, so why is this not being focused on. As a white 3rd generation citizen, I fully support the Sikh Coalition's motion for stronger charges to be levied against this misanthrope who's behavior undermines everything America stands for.

[tony]

See the problem is a lot of enemies of the US like to wear turbans. Leads to the looks like, smells like, must be one mindset. Always happens in times of conflict. If you truly dont want any discrimination then this must be treated just as if he owuld have lit any other students hat/ whatever on fire which is exactly what happend. When you demand more punishment because the victim is whatever then discrimination will always be around

[Eric]

What ever happened to a separation of church and state? Why are other cultures and religions allowed to wear religious pieces of clothing in school but even the mention of the word "God" can cause trouble? It's a two way street here. I in NO WAY condone what happened, but the larger issue should be the equality of the situation. The kid who did this should be suspended for his stupidity and sent to a counseling before returning to school.

Ban all religious items from public schools and you won't have anything to burn. That includes all crosses as well.

[Paul]

Counselling?! The kid should be tried for assault and attempted murder! Why in the h*ll is this kid being rewarded with homeschooling, and the people of New Jersey footing the bill?! That's pure insanity!

[jerry]

First of all Eric, people can wear religious garb at schools. I see a lot o kids wearing Christian werar at highschool...crosses, shirts promoting Christianity etc. Now, this piece of human feces that did this should be in jail. Also I read in another article that he is being homeschooled by the district since he was banned...this is utter garbage in my opinion. The kid is being punished how??Hey kids..commit an awful act in school and you won't have to come to school..we will come to you!!! Lastly, if any memeber of the Sikh fatih reads these posts...most Americans would not think to do this and I am sorry this happened in America where religious expression should be tolerated if not welcomed.

[Celia H]

This is one of those times where I fear the perceived discriminatory aspects of this are making it look less serious than it is. Someone was intentionally set on fire! Cultural sensitivity needs to not be made to look more important than the fact that this was an extremely serious assault.

[Chris]

This is a Hate Crime and should be treated as such. This Kid should get jail time and if his Parents complain they should be in the next cell. Come try setting anything of mine on Fire....I'll be waiting! Needs some fire Scarecrow!!!

[Punjabi Pride]

jerry wrote:

First of all Eric, people can wear religious garb at schools. I see a lot o kids wearing Christian werar at highschool...crosses, shirts promoting Christianity etc. Now, this piece of human feces that did this should be in jail. Also I read in another article that he is being homeschooled by the district since he was banned...this is utter garbage in my opinion. The kid is being punished how??Hey kids..commit an awful act in school and you won't have to come to school..we will come to you!!! Lastly, if any memeber of the Sikh fatih reads these posts...most Americans would not think to do this and I am sorry this happened in America where religious expression should be tolerated if not welcomed.

Jerry, its really frustrating for Sikhs all over the world to hear this news. You see here in Canada, there is a HUUUUGE Sikh population and everyone knows about Sikhs. In America barely anyone noes about sikhs... so wat america needs is to educate others about sikh faith. But wen a person disrespects ourturban that person is asking for a death wish.

[jerry]

Thanks for the reply and info. I am from Washington state and have been to Surrey a few times...a great place!!! Having speant a LOT of time in Canada, yes there is a huge population of the Sikh faith. Most are nice, respectful,polite and caring of others....again I say, this kid is twisted and what he did, reprehensable.This punk should not be coddled in anyway. This was not an act of confusion, ignorance or misunderstanding. It was a deliberate act of malicious hate. It was an act of utter violence...I have to wonder if his parents are trying to find a way to blame this on the "system, society, the school, the police" etc...Canada looks better and better every year.

[Texas Boy]

I can't believe that there are people who are supporting the kid who put the fire on the turban!
Not a whole lot of people knows about Sikh faith and they confuse all the turban wearer with Middle eastern or Arabs but the fact is in Sikhism, the turban is part of the Sikh's identity..
Sikh's fought in WWI and WWII for the British they gave their lives for the French and the British people but still they are not that well recogonized in America yet..
Just like most of the religion Sikhism teaches nothing but equality for all humankind..
God Bless the World!

[John]

Of all the legal immigrant groups coming into this country,I would prefer to have the Sikhs as friends,and watch my back in times of trouble as well as watch theirs.They are a most honorable people,unlike most Americans.