Resolution I:
Condemning Hindu Supremacist Resolutions of City of Fremont & City of City of Cupertino in California and A Call to Other City Councils to be vigilant
The Fremont City Council’s resolution passed in the spring of 2023 condemning so-called Hinduphobia, and the Cupertino City Council’s subsequent resolution in the summer of 2023 opposing legal protections for the caste-oppressed – specifically during the consideration of SB403 in the California Legislature – are unequivocally condemned. These resolutions were orchestrated by Hindu supremacists who, due to their socio-economic advantages and early migration, have monopolized the narrative of the social and cultural life of the Indian diaspora.
These resolutions, masquerading as defenders of religious freedom, diversity, and dignity, not only fuel insidious propaganda but also rob the oppressed, crushed by the weight of caste discrimination, of their rightful demand for legal safeguards. This is not just deception – it is an assault on justice. By siding with the vested interests of Hindu supremacists, these two city councils have willfully ignored the undeniable evidence and the wealth of studies that expose the deep-rooted and pervasive nature of caste-based discrimination. This betrayal is not just an oversight but a direct affront to truth and justice.
This conference vehemently condemns and categorically denounces these resolutions as being ill-intentioned and serving only the interests of casteists, while flagrantly disregarding the vulnerable position of the caste-oppressed.
This conference would like to appeal to the relevant authorities in other city councils, civil rights commissions, school boards, and other policy-making bodies to be vigilant about the harmful tactics employed by Hindu supremacists, who attempt to justify their prejudice through Hinduphobia. These groups undermine the civil rights of their fellow Hindus under the guise of religious freedom and seek to legitimize their fear-mongering strategies by misusing the concept of diversity and profiling.
Organizations Endorsed AKSC Resolution I:
- All-African People’s Revolutionary Party, USA
- Ambedkarite Buddhist Association of Texas, USA
- Dalit Solidarity Forum , USA
- Friends for Education International, USA
- Hindus for Human Rights, USA
- Indian American Muslim Council, USA
- Periyar International, USA
- San José Peace & Justice Center, San Jose, USA
- Silicon Valley Democratic Socialists of America, California, USA
Resolution II:
Resolution Urging Public and Private Institutions to Educate their HRs on Hindu Supremacy
As our workplace becomes increasingly multicultural, it’s essential to recognize and respect the diverse socio-economic, ethnic, national, cultural, and religious backgrounds of our employees. A healthy and inclusive working environment is critical to the productivity and well-being of all workers.
As of 2021, there are 5.4 million South Asians living in the United States, many of whom come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Hindu supremacists—political, social, and cultural actors—often promote a narrative of supremacy. They mislead non-South Asians by framing any criticism of their supremacist ideology as an attack on Hinduism. These groups exploit the lack of awareness about this distinction, making it difficult for people to separate religious beliefs from political agendas. However, Hinduism is a religion, while Hindu supremacy is a political project.
In several instances, when individuals in the workplace have criticized Hindu supremacy, the issue is presented to HR as an attack on Hinduism. This misunderstanding leads to unnecessary inquiries and causes mental distress for those who are wrongly accused.
It is critical for HR to understand the distinction between political criticism and religious criticism. Training on this issue is necessary to create a safe, supportive, and productive work environment.
This conference urges public and private institutions to educate their HR teams on this distinction. Organizations like the Ambedkar King Study Circle, which has been working in this field for years, are eager to collaborate with HR departments to address this important issue.