Washington: An influential US lawmaker today asked the FBI to start tracking and quantifying hate crimes against Hindus, Sikhs and Arab-Americans residing in the country.
“The disturbing pattern of violence and hate against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab-Americans is unacceptable. But, we will only be able to comprehensively address the problem if and when we know the full scope and severity of crimes against these communities,” Congressman Joe Crowley said.
The FBI Advisory Policy Board (APB) is scheduled to meet June 5, during which it will consider updating the FBI’s Hate Crime Incident Report Form (1-699), which serves as the primary mechanism for the federal government to document hate crimes committed in the US, to include crimes against these communities.
In his testimony submitted ahead of the crucial meeting, Crowley, who has spearheaded the effort for the past several years, said that Sikhs, Hindus, and Arab-Americans have all too often been the victim of violent and deadly attacks, and many are targeted with violence for reasons attackers chillingly claim are related to hatred.
“There is no question that the Hate Crimes Incident Report Form must be updated to reflect the realities these groups face day-in and day-out, and I am hopeful the Advisory Policy Board will recognise this demonstrable need and recommend the change take place,” said Crowley.
In March 2013, Crowley handed a letter signed by over 100 members of Congress to the FBI Advisory Policy Board to express strong support to begin tracking and quantifying hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab-Americans.
In his testimony, Crowley shared feedback and concerns from his conversations with Sikh, Hindu, and Arab-American communities over the past year. (PTI)
