Hindu American Foundation Cites Rise In Anti-Hindu Incidents In California 

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), an international advocacy organization, has urged California’s State of Hate Commission to formally recognize what it described as a rise in anti-Hindu hate and ensure Hindu Americans are included in statewide anti-hate initiatives.

In formal comments submitted to the California State of Hate Commission on June 9, HAF cited state data and recent incidents targeting Hindu Americans, including vandalism, bias incidents, and violence.

According to the organization, data from the California Civil Rights Department’s CA vs Hate hotline showed that anti-Hindu incidents accounted for 23 percent of reported religious bias cases, making them the second most frequently reported form of religiously motivated hate in the state.

The organization also cited incidents involving Hindu places of worship and what it described as a rise in anti-Hindu and anti-Indian hate speech online.

HAF urged the Commission and the California Civil Rights Department to publicly recognize and condemn anti-Hindu bias and strengthen protections for Hindu Americans.

“Hindu Americans are an integral, vibrant part of the California tapestry. However, freedom of religion and the right to practice without fear of violence are foundational. We respectfully urge this Commission to formally recognize this dangerous spike in anti-Hindu bias and to prioritize the protection, safety, and inclusion of the Hindu American community in statewide anti-hate initiatives,” HAF Managing Director Samir Kalra said. (IANS)