Founded in 1996, SALDEF is a Washington, DC-based national non-profit civil rights advocay and educational organization. SALDEF protects and promotes the civil rights of Sikh Americans through legal aid, advocacy and educational outreach. SALDEF’s mission is to create a fostering environment in the United States for Sikh Americans. Sikhism is a distinct religious faith that is over five hundred years old. There are approximately 700,000 Sikhs living in the United States.