‘Unfairly targeting Hindu students’: US Lawmakers Condemn Rutgers Event Labeling Hindutva a ‘Threat’.

US Lawmakers Slam Rutgers University Event Titled As ‘Hindutva in America, a threat’, Cite Concerns Over Targeting of Hindu Students.

Upendra  Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Oct 25, 2025:: A bipartisan group of four US Congress members has expressed strong concerns about an upcoming event at Rutgers University, warning that it could unfairly target Hindu students and organizations in the United States. The event, titled “Hindutva in America: A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism,” is scheduled for October 27, 2025, and is based on a report that labels Hindutva as an “ethnonationalist threat” to equality and religious pluralism.

The bipartisan group of four US Congress members includes Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-7), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-2).

Two anti-Hindutva and pro-Islamist Professors of Rutgers University, Sahar Aziz (Dept. of Law) and Audrey Truschke (Dept. of History) will be engaged to carry on the contentious programme with the power of evils as designed. 

In a letter to Rutgers President William F. Tate IV, the lawmakers argued that the report and the event misrepresent a diverse and peaceful religious community, potentially fueling discrimination against Hindu students on college campuses. They emphasized the importance of distinguishing between extremist ideologies and the beliefs of ordinary practitioners, noting that Hinduism is a “pluralistic and inclusive faith.”

Concerns Over Academic Freedom and Community Safety

The lawmakers’ concerns were echoed by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which spoke out against the event, calling the report “baseless.” HAF Director Suhag Shukla expressed worry about the potential impact on Hindu American students, particularly during Diwali celebrations, saying, “As we gather with our families for Diwali, we are hearing from many students and community members who feel shocked and threatened by a conference that targets Hindu American institutions, including HAF.”

Earlier, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has criticized the event, denouncing the report as baseless. HAF objected to the report’s alleged assertions linking their organization to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and equating Hindutva with fascism or white supremacy. Consequently, HAF has requested that Rutgers University dissociate itself from the event by removing its official logos and issuing a clarification that the university does not endorse the views presented.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also thanked the lawmakers for their support, criticizing the use of “half-baked” reports to target a community already facing online hate.

Rutgers University’s Response Awaits

The university has yet to respond publicly to the lawmakers’ concerns. As the event’s scheduled date approaches, the debate over academic freedom, community representation, and the role of universities in promoting inclusive and respectful discourse continues to unfold. 

This story highlights the complexities of balancing free speech with community concerns and the need for nuanced discussions about sensitive topics. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Rutgers University will navigate these challenges and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students.

Earlier,  HinduPACT AHAD Exposed the Rutgers Report on Hindutva as Hinduphobic presenting its Rebuttal with “Hindutva in America: A Case for Inclusion and Representation”.
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