Congressman Krishnamoorthi Responds to New U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service Program to Build Relationships with Hindu American Communities

January 23rd, 2025

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (“CRS”) announced plans to develop a new program titled the “Engaging and Building Relationships with Hindu American Communities Program.” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), one of the few Hindu Americans serving in the U.S. Congress, issued the following statement: 

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice finally heard the cries of so many Hindu Americans who often feel underrepresented, misunderstood, and frankly, prejudiced against. The development of this critical program follows repeated requests from myself and Hindu American leaders to collaborate with the Hindu American community to curb hate crimes and ensure that Hindu Americans can build productive relationships with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. I want to specifically applaud the work of key organizations, like the Hindu American Foundation, whose critical input led to the formulation of this program.” 

“While the creation of this program is welcomed news, we have so much work ahead to ensure it’s successful. As the Department of Justice transitions control from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration, it is especially critical that this program remain a priority in 2025 and beyond.” 

More details of the program published by CRS are below: 

Created by the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service, the “Engaging and Building Relationships with Hindu American Communities” program is designed to educate law enforcement, schools, religious and secular communities, and public and private organizations toward a more positive and supportive engagement with Hindu Americans and communities.

The new program is a five-part, four-hour training that affords participants a deeper understanding of the Hindu culture and experiences and an opportunity to create strategies to construct stronger relationships with Hindu communities. Informed by current data and peer-reviewed historical research, and produced in consultation with representatives from major Hindu American organizations in the United States, the program offers:

1. A thoughtful overview with critical highlights of Hindu philosophy, faith, and practice;
2. A clear view of the harm caused by misinformation and misconceptions about Hindu American communities, including hate crimes against Hindu Americans;
3. Culturally informed insights on designing a community engagement plan for inter-community relationships based on mutual trust, communication, and respect.

CRS is proud to partner with major Hindu American organizations to produce this program and looks forward to continuing that partnership in offering this program to all communities in America.

The “Engaging and Building Relationships with Hindu Americans” program will be available to interested communities at no cost.

Communities and organizations interested in participating this program may contact askCRS@usdoj.gov. Additional information about the Community Relations Service’s work with communities facing hate crimes, discrimination, and conflict based on race, religion, and other protected characteristics is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crs.