Hinduphobia on US campuses: A rising concern for the global Hinduspora

From Houston to Berkeley: How American campuses are misrepresenting Hinduism

First, it was the University of Houston (UH), where a course titled “Lived Hinduism” was marred by overt political bias[1]. The faculty member teaching the course referred to India’s Prime Minister as a “Hindu nationalist”—a term loaded with ideological weight. It was completely inappropriate in a course meant to explore religious and cultural practices. Hinduism, rooted in Sanatan Dharma, is a profound spiritual tradition. Learning to live as a practicing Hindu has nothing to do with the political beliefs of any elected official, Indian or otherwise.

Now, the University of California, Berkeley, is under fire for something even more troubling. The UC Berkeley Student Senate not only rejected a resolution to recognize Hindu Heritage Month, a gesture extended to other communities such as Latiné, Armenian, and Jewish students, but did so in a manner steeped in Hinduphobia and cultural hostility.

The Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) displayed a very disturbing behavior that caught the attention of Indian media. The Times of India reported: “Flushed down the toilet”: UC Berkeley student senate rejects Hindu Heritage Month; sparks accusations of Hinduphobia, bullying[2].

According to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a straightforward request by a Caribbean Hindu student was met with inflammatory accusations of “Hindu nationalism.” What should have been a simple cultural recognition turned into a hostile attack on Hindu identity, which had nothing to do with Indian politics.

Open anti-Hindu hate at UC Berkeley. Each year its Student Senate approves a number of “Heritage Month” Proclamations (e.g. Latiné, Armenian, Jewish).

But when Hindu students and organizations asked for a Hindu Heritage Month proclamation, they faced hate & mockery!
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