Anti-Hindu Bias: Rutgers Professors’ Names with Taliban Leader Sparks Outrage.

Rutgers University’s Troubling Ties: Uncovering the Connection Between Anti-Hindutva Academia and Jihadi Taliban Extremism.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | Nov 14, 2025:: A recent conference at Rutgers University has ignited intense debate and outrage after it was revealed that the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, was listed as an “academic supporter”. The conference, titled “Dismantling Global Hindutva”, aimed to dismantle Hindu nationalism, but it has revealed that it promotes anti-Hindu bias and hate speech.

The heat came to Rutgers University for hosting an event titled “Hindutva in America: A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism” in 2025, with some pointing out its connection to a 2021 event called “Dismantling Global Hindutva” (DGH). Professors Audrey Truschke and Sahar Aziz, who were involved in both events, have been accused of having an anti-Hindu bias.

Allegations Against Professors and Event

– The event’s report allegedly labels Hindutva as an “ethnonationalist threat” to equality and religious pluralism, sparking concerns about misrepresentation and bias.
– Critics argue that the report and event promote a negative narrative about Hinduism and Hindutva, failing to understand the two in its true and deeper significance.
– The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have expressed concerns about the event’s potential impact on Hindu students and the broader community.

The Taliban leader poses a friend of Rutgers Professors

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, wields immense power in Afghanistan, where his word is law and his ideology shapes the regime’s actions. Officially recognized as the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and commander of the faithful, Akhundzada’s influence extends far beyond politics, with his interpretations of the Quran and Hadiths guiding the Taliban’s extremist ideology. Despite his powerful position, Akhundzada maintains a reclusive profile, with only a handful of high-ranking officials reportedly having met him in person. A rare photo of him, taken in 1990 for a passport, is one of the few available images of the elusive leader. Akhundzada’s role goes beyond mere politics; he is a key figure in promoting jihadi terrorism and extremism, inspiring violence through his ideology. Such a Jihadi personality become an academic  friend of  Professor Audrey Truschke and Professor Sahar Aziz of Rutgers University.

 Reaction of CoHNA

Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) expressed strong objections to the conference and the inclusion of Akhundzada’s name, highlighting the Taliban leader’s prominent role in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. They questioned the university’s decision to associate itself with individuals who may promote intolerance and hate speech. In X, CoHNA writes: Rutgers University Professors. And the Taliban’s Supreme Leader! All listed proudly in the “Academics in Solidarity” letter supporting to the 2021 Dismantling Global Hindutva Conference.

University’s Response

While Rutgers University has not publicly commented on the controversy, the incident raises concerns about academic freedom, bias, and the responsibility of universities to promote respectful dialogue.

Earlier, four US Lawmakers slamed Rutgers University event titled as ‘Hindutva in America, a threat’, citing concerns over targeting of Hindu students in the campus. But the university authority did not come up with any positive approach.

..
_Inputs from CoHNA Tweet.