Amol Aulakh (Sikh Coalition) testifies on hate prevention investments
Amol Aulakh of the Sikh Coalition describes how Sikhs remain the third most targeted religious group per FBI data. He urges support for community-based reporting pathways, multilingual materials, anti-bias education accurately reflecting Sikh communities, and rapid response support for targeted gurdwaras, businesses, and families.
Thank you as well.
Good afternoon.
My name is Amol Alik, and I'm speaking on behalf of the Sikh Coalition in support of meaningful, sustained investments in hate crime and violence prevention in New York City.
The Sikh Coalition was founded in the aftermath of 9-11, when Sikh Americans, especially those who wear turbans and maintain articles of faith, were targeted with violence, discrimination, and profiling.
National FBI data continues to indicate Sikhs as the third most targeted religious group, with many incidents remaining unreported, misclassified, or misunderstood.
That is why the Sikh Coalition supports the proposed investments from the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and the Office of Community Safety with these priorities.
It should include community-based and better reporting pathways so people who experience hate, harassment, or bias can seek support without being forced into unfamiliar systems.
Especially for immigrants, workers, elders, and those with limited English proficiency.
It should include additional funding for community organizations that have established trust in culturally competent ways, such as the Path Forward initiative.
Organizations need full-time capacity and multilingual materials to respond to what impacted communities are experiencing.
It should include proactive relationship building to fund and expand programs that promote mutual understanding in communities before tensions escalate.
It should include anti-bias prevention education.
accurately reflects the Sikh community, our articles of faith, and our history, where that lack of understanding can have real safety consequences.
It should include rapid response and survivor support, so when a Gurdwara Sahibji, small business, taxi driver, student, or families targeted, they can receive language-accessible resources,
legal referrals, mental health support, and clear communication from city agencies.
We believe that all New Yorkers deserve to live without the fear of being targeted because of who they are or how they are perceived.
We urge this committee to utilize this budget increase to support these investments in partnership with communities that are impacted the most.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your testimony.