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Advancing Sikh Religious Freedom and Combating Hate Crimes in the United States

White Paper | 01-25-2026

The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act (H.R. 7100) as a Catalyst for SDG-Aligned Equity and Justice

Prepared by:

Baljit Singh, Founding Member, SHINE Centre of Excellence, Guru Nanak Dev Global University

Executive Summary

Sikh Americans, who number over 500,000 and contribute significantly to U.S. society through entrepreneurship, agriculture, military service, and community leadership, face disproportionate hate crimes and discrimination. Often misidentified due to visible articles of faith (e.g., turban and beard), Sikhs have ranked as the third most-targeted religious group in U.S. hate crime statistics, with over 150 reported incidents in the past year alone. Post-9/11 bias, legacy effects of the 1984 Sikh Genocide, and transnational repression exacerbate these challenges.

The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act (H.R. 7100), introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and co-led by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-22), directs the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Hate and Discrimination. This historic legislation—the first federal initiative since 9/11 dedicated to anti-Sikh bias—creates tools for definition, tracking, education, prevention, and response.

This aligns closely with UNESCO’s framework for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). By addressing religious discrimination, the bill promotes inclusion “irrespective of religion or belief” (echoing SDG 10 targets) and fosters peaceful, inclusive societies free from targeted violence (SDG 16). Educational components support tolerance and human rights awareness (SDG 4 and UNESCO’s Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development).

GNDGU’s SHINE CoE supports such efforts by preserving Sikh narratives of justice and equality, inspiring global advocacy against oppression.

Background: Anti-Sikh Discrimination in the United States

  • Historical Context: Post-9/11 backlash led to turban-related profiling and violence. The 1984 Sikh Genocide’s legacy fuels ongoing transnational threats.
  • Current Reality: Sikhs face elevated hate crimes, workplace discrimination (e.g., religious accommodations), and underreporting due to lack of specific federal definitions.
  • Community Impact: Fear affects religious practice, family safety, and civic participation in vibrant hubs like New Jersey (≈100,000 Sikhs) and California’s Central Valley.

Support from Sikh organizations (Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, United Sikhs, New Jersey Sikh Youth Alliance, American Sikh Caucus Committee, etc.) highlights the bill’s urgency.

Key Provisions of H.R. 7100

The bill mandates a DOJ Task Force to:

  • Develop a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate and discrimination to improve charging, tracking (e.g., FBI hate crime statistics), and prosecution.
  • Create and disseminate educational programs on anti-Sikh bias for law enforcement, K-12 schools, universities, and communities (including Punjabi translations).
  • Produce an annual report to Congress detailing incidents, responses, and emerging threats.
  • Engage Sikh communities and advocacy groups (e.g., quarterly meetings) for input on prevention and enforcement.
  • Enhance federal mechanisms for tracking, training, and response to hate crimes and transnational repression.

As of late January 2026, the bill is in the House Judiciary Committee, with bipartisan co-sponsorship (at least 14 members) and strong endorsements.

Connection to UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda emphasizes “leaving no one behind” through non-discrimination and inclusion. Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) intersects with multiple SDGs:

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — Target 10.2 calls for empowering and promoting inclusion irrespective of religion or other status. Anti-Sikh hate perpetuates exclusion; the Task Force’s definition and tracking directly reduce inequality by addressing targeted bias.
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions — Targets include reducing violence (16.1), promoting rule of law (16.3), and building inclusive institutions (16.7). The bill combats hate violence, strengthens justice responses, and fosters accountable institutions via better data and community engagement—aligning with UNESCO’s emphasis on peaceful societies free from discrimination.
  • SDG 4: Quality Education — Targets promote education for sustainable development, human rights, and global citizenship (4.7). The bill’s educational programs on anti-Sikh discrimination support tolerance education, echoing UNESCO’s Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development.

Broader linkages: FoRB enables SDG progress by reducing barriers to participation in economic, social, and civic life (e.g., SDG 8 Decent Work, SDG 5 Gender Equality via Sikh women’s roles).

Recommendations and GNDGU’s Role

  • Urge swift passage of H.R. 7100 and similar state-level initiatives.
  • Integrate anti-bias education into curricula, aligning with GNDGU’s SDG-focused programs (e.g., joint certifications on world literature and SDGs).
  • Expand research via SHINE CoE on Sikh contributions to justice, equality, and anti-oppression (e.g., Saint-Soldier Saga project documenting miri-piri exemplars).
  • Foster global dialogues on FoRB and SDGs, partnering with UNESCO networks.

By supporting H.R. 7100, stakeholders advance Sikh safety while contributing to a world of reduced inequalities, peaceful institutions, and inclusive education—embodying Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s vision of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all).

For inquiries or collaboration:

Baljit Singh Email: bsingh@gndgu.com

SHINE CoE, Guru Nanak Dev Global University

References: Congress.gov (H.R. 7100); Press releases from Reps. Gottheimer and Valadao; Sikh advocacy organizations; UN SDGs framework; UNESCO documents on FoRB and education.

Guru Nanak Dev Global University