East Brunswick, New Jersey: American Sikh Council (ASC) representative Kavneet Singh attended and participated in the New Jersey School Counselors Association (NJSCA) Conference held at Hilton, East Brunswick, New Jersey, from October 5 to 6, 2026.
The two-day conference was attended by more than 450 school counselors, graduate students, specialists, experts, educators and professors. Around 50 exhibitors also participated in the event, while multiple educational sessions were held on counseling, bullying, racism, bias, mental health, vocational training and other related issues.
ASC representative Kavneet Singh was invited to speak at a 75-minute session on the topic “Bullying of Sikh American Children in Schools.” According to ASC, the session became highly interactive, with school counselors asking questions based on real-life experiences.
During the conference, Kavneet Singh also interacted with counselors, educators and other attendees, answering questions and discussing issues concerning Sikh American students.
A number of informational brochures were displayed and distributed during the event. These covered subjects including the bullying of Sikh American children, the Sikh turban, Sikhs and Scouts, the history of Sikh Americans, Sikhs in the World Wars and the Sikh Genocide 1984–1998.
The book “Bullying of Sikh American Children – Through the Eyes of a Sikh American High School Student,” supported by the American Sikh Council, was also displayed at the conference.
According to the information shared by ASC, the book was attested by President Barack Obama on April 29, 2016, received the National Bullying Prevention Award in March 2018 and is currently available in more than 43 school districts across the eastern seaboard.
Several counselors attending the conference stressed the need for more nuanced information about the Sikh experience and for additional material to be included in the state framework so that school professionals can better serve Sikh students.
Other books and curriculum-based modules were also presented as resource materials for professional school counselors dealing with bullying and the victimization of Sikh American children.
One of the participants, Ms. Clarie M, said, “I am so glad I came to this session. After listening to your presentation I feel I can do a much better job in not only understanding the problems Sikh children face but also better armed with information in order to handle certain bullying and associated challenges.”
ASC described the speaking session, networking and overall outcome of the conference participation as a success.
The American Sikh Council also appealed to gurdwaras, particularly its member gurdwaras, to increase their support for such educational initiatives aimed at helping the next generation thrive and build a better future.
