Gurdev Singh Kang has been appointed to New York's Commission on Human Rights by mayor Bill de Blasio.
Gurdev Singh Kang has been appointed to New York’s Commission on Human Rights by mayor Bill de Blasio.
NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Building on his campaign promise to empower the City Commission on Human Rights as a venue for all New Yorkers who have been the victim of discrimination to find justice, Mayor Bill de Blasio this week announced his appointment of Carrie Davis, Gurdev Singh Kang, and Faiza Patel as Human Rights Commissioners.
The City Commission on Human Rights enforces and educates on the City Human Rights Law, one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation. Human Rights Commissioners are appointed by the mayor and advise and assist the Chair and Commissioner in identifying issues of bias, discrimination, and harassment impacting their communities.
“Spanning LGBTQ rights, national security issues, and leadership in Sikh communities, today’s appointees represent the very best of New York City. This progressive and extraordinarily qualified group share strong dedication to safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of all people in New York City,” de Blasio said in a statement. “Reiterating what I said when I appointed Carmelyn P. Malalis at the helm of CCHR, I am confident this agency will continue to be a robust enforcer of our fundamental civil rights and improve community relations among New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs.”
“It is a great honor to serve as a Commissioner. It is very important that the voices of minorities be heard during this crucial time,” Kang said in reaction to his appointment. “Therefore, I hope to help prevent discrimination against New Yorkers based on their race and religious beliefs. Every New Yorker has the right to practice his/her own religion without having to face any fear or threat of a violent attack.”
Kang is the former president of the largest Sikh temple in New York City, The Sikh Cultural Society Inc., where he served in that capacity from 2012 through 2016. He has been affiliated with the Sikh Cultural Society for more than two decades and as president of the temple he started the Nagar Kirtan program and sports initiatives for youth.
He emigrated from Punjab, India, in 1981 and started a deli/grocery business. By 1986, Kang encountered great success in his business endeavors ranging from real estate to retail. Kang has been a member of Community Board 2 in Staten Island since 2006.
Faiza Patel serves as Co-Director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, which seeks to ensure that our counterterrorism laws and policies respect human rights norms and fundamental freedoms. Patel focuses on issues relating to surveillance, including police monitoring of Muslim communities, interception of electronic communications by security agencies, and Islamophobia.
