RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 17, 2018
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Day
Body
WHEREAS, Sikhism is a religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia over five centuries ago and introduced to the United States in the 19th century; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with approximately 25 million adherents from diverse backgrounds throughout the world, including 500,000 adherents in the United States and 25,000 in the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that teaches its adherents to live by the three fundamental principles of truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to God; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs believe that every human being, regardless of race, gender, or creed, is equal in the eyes of God; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs have a long history of sacrifice for the causes of religious freedom, human rights and justice; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs in the United States pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the economic vibrancy of the United States as farmers, artists, teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, scientists, business owners, and more; and
WHEREAS, practicing Sikhs maintain unshorn hair and a turban as religious articles of faith and to show their public commitment to the Sikh values and ethics of community service, compassion, honesty, equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, despite Sikh Americans’ progressive beliefs and charitable deeds, Sikhs in the United States often experience discrimination, however, by refusing to respond with hate or violence, the Sikh community continues to promote love and peace in the face of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seeks to further promote diversity and afford all citizens the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history, achievements, and shared experiences of Sikh Americans; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby recognize May 17 as Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Day and encourage those living in the District area to celebrate the lasting contributions of the Sikh American community and recognize the essential role of Sikh Americans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: May 17, 2018
Approved: MARIYANA T. SPYROPOULOS, President; BARBARA J. MCGOWAN, Vice President; FRANK AVILA, Chairman, Committee on Finance; MARTIN J. DURKAN; JOSINA MORITA; DEBRA SHORE; KARI K. STEELE; DAVID J. WALSH; Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Approved as to Form and Legality: Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel