November 21, 2012 (Washington, DC) – The Sikh Coalition is pleased to report that two components of the U.S. Department of Justice—the Civil Rights Division and Community Relations Service—have formally recommended that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) begin tracking hate crimes against Sikhs.

Sikh Coalition Director of Law & Policy provides an update on this important work. Click here to watch the clip.

Although these recommendations are not binding on the FBI, they represent the highest level endorsements to date by the Justice Department of our campaign to ensure that hate crimes against our community are tracked. The Sikh Coalition believes that it is impossible to address a problem unless it is being measured and will continue to pursue this issue until it is resolved.

Please Support This Campaign with a Financial Contribution: www.sikhdonate.org

For nearly two years, before and after the Oak Creek tragedy, the Sikh Coalition has tirelessly campaigned to ensure that hate crimes against Sikhs are accurately tracked by the federal government. We simply cannot do this work without your financial support. If you believe that Sikhs deserve recognition as a distinct entity in federal statistics, please make a generous contribution to the Sikh Coalition today.

Jan 2011 – Sikh Coalition formally requests that FBI track anti-Sikh hate crimes
May 2011 – Sikh Coalition reiterates request at federal interagency meeting
Apr 2012 – Over 90 members of U.S. House of Representatives endorse campaign
Aug 2012 – Nearly 20 members of the U.S. Senate endorse campaign
Sept 2012 – Senate Judiciary Subcommittee holds historic hearing on hate crimes

As always, the Sikh Coalition urges all Sikhs to practice their faith fearlessly.