Date: February 4, 2005
The Hindu American Foundation (“HAF”)
announces the start of the HAF Legal Defense and Education
Fund Drive. Through the month of March, HAF asks Hindus
across the U.S. and from around the world to contribute
generously to enable its work at this critical juncture
in Hindu American history.
The goal of the HAF Legal Defense and Education
Fund Drive is to raise $200,000 by the end of March 2006
to meet mounting expenses due to HAF's legal efforts in
ensuring a fair and balanced portrayal of Hinduism in public
school textbooks up for adoption in the State of California.
The current textbooks accomplish little more than to perpetuate
negative stereotypes and promote prejudice against Hindu
Americans, despite California law prohibiting the adoption
of any textbook that reflects adversely upon persons because
of creed or ancestry. The final outcome of this effort is
very much in doubt at this time as opponents to the Hindu
effort have vast resources and influence.
HAF seeks to raise $1 million by the end of 2006 to be prepared
for future legal battles involving textbooks in other states
and to continue HAF's strong track record in taking a Hindu
American voice to the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress
in matters involving religious liberty and human rights
and to the media in presenting fair and balanced coverage
of Hinduism.
HAF has retained a law firm in California to represent the
Foundation, and by extension, the Hindu American community
at-large in interactions with the California State Board
of Education. Proceeds from this drive will be used to support
this effort, and all future HAF projects and initiatives
seeking to improve textbooks and educate fellow citizens
about Hinduism, its practitioners and their concerns and
aspirations.
Nothing less than the future of Hindu American children
is at stake. Contribute generously. Contribute
now.
