According to a recent report by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), hate crimes targeting Hindus have surged, making them the second-most reported type of religious bias in the state. This increase positions anti-Hindu incidents just behind anti-Semitism and ahead of Islamophobia in terms of frequency.
The rise in reported hate crimes comes amidst growing concerns from Indian-American leaders who have been highlighting an increase in Hinduphobia across the United States. In response to this alarming trend, California launched the "California vs Hate" program in 2023. This initiative, aimed at combating hate crimes and providing support to victims, received over 1,000 reports in its first year through a dedicated hotline and online portal. These platforms allow for safe and anonymous reporting, encouraging individuals and communities affected by hate to come forward.
A detailed breakdown of the religiously motivated hate crimes reveals that anti-Hindu incidents account for 23.3% of the reports. Anti-Semitic incidents remain the most reported, comprising approximately 37%, while anti-Muslim incidents make up 14.6%.
Despite these significant numbers, many victims refrain from reporting hate crimes. Reasons for this include fears of retaliation, potential immigration consequences, lack of culturally sensitive resources, and mistrust in law enforcement. The reports that were submitted frequently mentioned discriminatory treatment (18.4%), verbal harassment (16.7%), and the use of derogatory names or slurs (16.7%).
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “CA vs Hate stands to uphold and protect our state’s diverse population and send a definitive message that hatred will never be accepted.” His statement underscores the state's commitment to tackling the rise in hate crimes and supporting affected communities.
The CA vs Hate initiative was introduced to address the alarming escalation in hate crimes, which have reached their highest levels since 2001. From 2020 to 2021, the state witnessed a nearly 33% increase in such incidents, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to counteract this trend.
The majority of reported incidents occurred in residential settings (29.9%), followed by workplaces (9.7%) and public spaces (9.1%). Notably, approximately two-thirds of the victims sought follow-up support, receiving services such as legal assistance or counseling to help them cope with the aftermath of these hate crimes.
The reports covered nearly 80% of California’s counties, including all ten of the state’s most populous counties, providing a broad overview of the issue's geographic spread. This widespread reporting indicates that the problem is not confined to isolated areas but is a statewide concern.
The rise in hate crimes against Hindus, as well as other religious and ethnic groups, calls for a concerted effort from both state authorities and community leaders to promote tolerance, inclusivity, and protection for all residents. As the CA vs Hate initiative continues to gather data and provide support, it remains a crucial tool in California’s fight against hate and discrimination.