WASHINGTON, DC, USA—On Wednesday, an advisory policy board of the Federal Bureau of Investigation voted to recommend tracking hate crimes against Sikhs in its uniform crime reporting program. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Co-Chairs of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, released the following statements:
“I’m excited that the efforts of those dedicated to representing the Sikh community, including the American – Sikh Caucus, have made significant progress,” Congressman Valadao stated. “I commend the Advisory Policy Board and their recommendation that hate crimes against Sikhs should specifically be tracked. This is the first step to reducing violent crimes against Sikhs in our communities.”
“I am thrilled that the Advisory Policy Board took this important towards tracking hate crimes perpetrated against Sikh Americans going forward,” said Congresswoman Chu. “Sikh Americans have been disproportionately targeted in the years after the September 11th, 2001 attacks.”
As a result of misguided anger, this peaceful community has endured murders, assaults, bullying and ridicule. According to Sikh Coalition surveys, approximately 10 percent of Sikhs in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area alone have experienced physical violence or property damage because of their religion.
Congressman Valadao continued, “Following the recent hate crime against an elderly Sikh man in Fresno last month, the caucus came together in their first official act to call for the tracking of hate crimes perpetrated against the Sikh community. Tracking and reporting of such crimes will aid law enforcement officials in preventing future attacks.”
According to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, rates of bullying against Sikh children “range from roughly half to over three-quarters.” Recent Sikh Coalition research suggests that 67 percent of devout Sikh students in Fresno California have experienced bias-based bullying because of their religion.
The American Sikh Congressional Caucus was formed by Representatives Valadao and Chu to provide a voice for the Sikh community in America.
So far, thirty-three Members of Congress have joined the caucus.
Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.
