FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sikh Youth Alliance Spearheads Historic Federal Anti-Sikh Hate and Discrimination Definition Bill, alongside National Sikh Organizations

The Sikh Youth Alliance (SYA) of New Jersey, an organization dedicated to empowering Sikh youth and promoting justice through education and policy, was proud to spearhead the groundbreaking federal bill to define and combat anti-Sikh hate and discrimination. Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 7100 on January 15, 2026, the Bipartisan legislation—titled "To Direct the Attorney General to Establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Hate and Discrimination"—marks a historic milestone in protecting Sikh Americans. The bill currently has 11 co-sponsors.

The bill, championed by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and co-lead by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), proposes the creation of a dedicated task force within the Department of Justice to address anti-Sikh bias. It also calls for establishing a federal definition of anti-Sikh hate and discrimination—an essential step toward tracking hate crimes, informing policy, and educating the public and law enforcement at both the local and federal levels.

Ravinder Kaur, an SYA team member, stated, “This moment affirms that confronting anti-Sikh hate is not a community issue alone, but a national responsibility rooted in justice and accountability. From New Jersey to the national stage, we are helping shape a future where visibility leads to safety and equal protection under the law.”

“For too long, the Sikh community has lived in the shadow of prejudice and systemic exclusion because the law lacked a clear framework to define the specific hate we face,” said Bhupindar Singh, Outreach Lead for the Sikh Youth Alliance. “By establishing a formal federal definition, this bill provides law enforcement and educators with the vital tools to identify, track, and ultimately prevent anti-Sikh hate and discrimination".

This is the first of its kind bill since 9/11 at the federal level, to create a clear legal framework for addressing anti-Sikh incidents. Since the FBI began recording anti-Sikh hate crimes, cases have spiked in annual reports, with the community consistently ranking as the second or third most targeted group in the religion-based hate violence category.

Alongside national partner Sikh organizations, SYA played a key role in shaping the legislative effort, working with lawmakers, nonprofits, and community leaders to ensure the bill reflects the lived experiences of Sikh Americans.

“For too long, the unique challenges faced by the Sikh community have been overlooked,” said Jaspreet Singh, Community Development Director for the Sikh Youth Alliance. “This bill will provide a much-needed framework for addressing anti-Sikh hate head-on. It is a testament to the perseverance of our community and the dedication of our allies in Congress.”

The Bipartisan "Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act" would:

-Establish a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate and discrimination;

-Create a dedicated task force within the Department of Justice to focus on combating anti-Sikh hate and assist in prosecutorial discretion;

-Develop and disseminate Sikh education programs for K-12 and higher education institutions;

-Train local and federal law enforcement on identifying and responding to anti-Sikh hate;

-Require an annual report from the task force on hate crime cases, actions brought against perpetrators, and emerging threats, including transnational repression;

The proposal also mandates that the task force translate public resources into Punjabi and conduct quarterly meetings with Sikh institutions and organizations.

This federal initiative builds on momentum from state-level progress. On June 13, 2024, New Jersey Assembly Bill A4561 / Senate Bill S3532 was introduced to establish an anti-Sikh hate definition at the state level. Sponsored by Assemblywomen Carol Murphy and Shanique Speight, the bill also appropriates $100,000 for anti-hate education and law enforcement training. New Jersey is home to one of the largest Sikh populations in the U.S., with over 100,000 residents.

The federal bill is now before the House Committee on the Judiciary. We strongly urge lawmakers to take swift action to pass this vital legislation and protect the rights and safety of the Sikh American community.