The Sikh Society of Minnesota hosted a listening session with Hennepin County Fourth Judicial District Honorable Judges and staff. More than ten honorable judges and a few administrative staff visited the Sikh Society of Minnesota Gurdwara Sahib. The purpose of the listening session was to advance the 4th Judicial District's efforts to eliminate from Court operations any bias that is based on race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, age, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation. The purpose was centered around bi-directional engagement and engaging in DEI related conversations.

The Sikh Society of Minnesota addressed following topics with the honorable judges:

• Welcome and Introduction of Judicial Officers and DEI staff
• Icebreaker video - Public Service Announcement
• Introduction to the Sikh faith.
• Reaction of Sikh Community to Public Service Announcement:
• What does it mean to be a member of the Sikh community?
• What is our reaction to the Public Service Announcement?
• Importance of a turban and accomodation in courts.
• Importance of a small sword (kirpan) and accommodation in courts.
• Concerns of the Sikh Community when we have interacted with the courts.
• Some examples of discrimination faced by the Sikh Community to make Judicial Officers aware of.
• Importance of families and community to be involved in disputes even though between two parties.

The Sikh Society of Minnesota thanked Judicial Officers and their staff for taking the time to plan, participate and visit us at our Gurdwara Sahib to understand our faith, challenges and requested accommodations in courts through this dialogue with us.

Here are some pictures: