An influential congressman has made a strong plea in the House of Representatives that Sikh Americans should be protected from racial discrimination.
Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, referred to various hate crimes against Sikhs due to "mistaken identity" that they might be linked to Al Qaida and the harassment of their children.
Wilson said school administrators should work with members of the Sikh community to educate all young people about the importance of respecting other people's faith.
"No child should ever fear for physical safety inside an American school," he said, expressing deep concern over the plight of Sikh American children.
Soon after 9/11, Sikhs were victims of hate crimes as they were mistaken to be followers of Osama bin Laden because of their turbans and beards.
But many Americans, including children, are unaware of their religion and often subject their Sikh peers to ridicule and assault.
In an impassioned speech, Congressman Wilson said: "Mr. Speaker, I rise today in concern about a troubling issue. Young Sikh boys are suffering from physical abuse, harassment, and verbal taunting in some American schools.
This is due to a lack of knowledge of the Sikh faith."
Wilson, who is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said: "Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion and has existed in India for more than five centuries. Many Sikhs in India play important roles in both the state and federal governments, and Sikhs are an integral part of the Indian American community in this country.
"As part of their faith, Sikh men leave their hair uncut and wear turbans. Students see images of the Taliban and mistake Sikh youth for extremists. As a result, many Sikh boys have been harassed.
"As the Republican co-chair of the India Caucus, I ask school administrators to work with members of the Sikh community to educate all young people about the importance of respecting other people's faith. No child should ever fear for their physical safety inside an American school."