Sikh High Schooler Sues NY Department of Education For Failing To Protect Him

A press release yesterday from the Sikh Coalition reports that a former Queens, New York high school student has filed a federal lawsuit against New York City's Department of Education charging that it failed to protect him against bias-based harassment and attacks from other students. A year ago, student Jagmohan Singh Premi was punched in the face by a fellow student who had a long history of making fun of his patka (small turban) and beard, and attempting to pull off his patka. Teachers and administrators at Richmond Hill High School tried, but could not to stop the harassment. Incidents continued even after the harasser was suspended. The lawsuit alleges that therefore the Department of Education had a responsibility to step in and do more.