Condemning the discrimination, hate crimes, racism, bigotry, bullying, and brutal violence perpetrated against Sikh-Americans, and all acts of vandalism against Sikh Gurdwaras in the United States, and remembering the tragedy that occurred at the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin one year ago.

Whereas Sikh-Americans have frequently been stereotyped solely because of their appearance, practices and traditions; Whereas numerous Sikh temples have been defaced and Sikh-Americans attacked out of ignorance and hatred, including instances in Michigan, New York, California, and Washington; Whereas some incidents against Sikh-Americans appear to be erroneous attempts to place blame or exact retribution for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; Whereas the heinous attack and killing of six persons and wounding of others in the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin occurred a year ago on August 5, 2012; Whereas a Sikh-American cab driver was assaulted on October 17, 2012, near Seattle, Washington; Whereas a Sikh-American-owned convenience store in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was set ablaze on March 5, 2013; Whereas 82-year-old Piara Singh was brutally attacked as he was leaving his Gurdwara in Fresno, California, on May 8, 2013; Whereas Sikh-Americans are often targeted solely because of their unique dress and religious practices; Whereas surveys have found that up to 3 out of every 4 Sikh boys in the United States are bullied due to their appearance; Whereas the Sikh faith is the world’s fifth largest religion, with more than 25,000,000 practitioners worldwide, upwards of 500,000 of whom reside in the United States; Whereas Sikh-Americans have lived in the United States for at least 100 years as pillars of society, making invaluable contributions in business, politics, science, and education; Whereas Sikh-Americans serve in all roles of American life, including as family members, business owners, elected leaders, and members of the United States military; Whereas Dalip Singh Saund served as a Sikh-American member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the late 1950s and early 1960s; and Whereas under successive Administrations, the Department of Justice has rightfully reached out to the Sikh community to prevent discrimination and protect its civil liberties: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) condemns the commission of hate crimes against all Americans, including Sikh-Americans; (2) condemns acts of violence, bigotry and discrimination against Sikh-Americans; (3) urges educators, counselors and others to support educational efforts to prevent the epidemic bullying of Sikh-American children and families; (4) supports outreach efforts by Federal and local law enforcement leaders to prevent violence and hate crimes against Sikh-Americans; (5) appreciates the Federal Bureau of Investigation Advisory Policy Board for recommending the tracking of hate crimes against Sikh-Americans, Hindu-Americans, Arab-Americans, and other groups; and (6) urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice to expeditiously adopt and subsequently work to implement the Advisory Policy Board’s recommendations.

Summary: Condemns: (1) the commission of hate crimes against all Americans, including Sikh-Americans; and (2) acts of violence, bigotry, and discrimination against Sikh-Americans. Urges educators, counselors, and others to support educational efforts to prevent the epidemic bullying of Sikh-American children and families. Expresses support for outreach efforts by federal and local law enforcement leaders to prevent violence and hate crimes against Sikh-Americans. Urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to adopt and implement recommendations of the FBI Advisory Policy Board to track hate crimes against Sikh-Americans, Hindu-Americans, Arab-Americans, and other groups.