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CoHNA youth group condemns Hinduphobic attack on San Jose campus
The group says the attack reflects a broader rise in anti-Hindu bias in California and raises concerns over campus security and student safety.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 14, Feb 2026
- 16:40 EST
- 26
CoHNA Youth Action Network / Instagram (CYAN)
The CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN) on Feb. 13 condemned a Hinduphobic assault on the San Jose State University campus, calling for a swift investigation and accountability.
The reaction is in response to a Feb. 7 incident where a Sikh student was reportedly attacked by a group of individuals, forced to the ground, and had his turban torn off. The assailants allegedly used the word “Hindu” as a slur during the assault, which has led the university to investigate it as a hate crime.
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CYAN said that although the victim was Sikh, the use of “Hindu” in conjunction with physical violence pointed to bias-driven intent. The group called for stronger protections for Hindu and Sikh students and expressed solidarity with the victim and the Sikh community on campus.
The assault is under investigation by campus and local authorities, who have said the suspects are believed to be non-students. University officials have confirmed that surveillance footage is being reviewed and witnesses interviewed.
‘It is deeply upsetting that Saturday’s assault was motivated by our student’s Sikh identity. Hate, discrimination and violence have no place in our community, nor anywhere that seeks to uphold the values of knowledge, understanding and peace. Hate crimes are evil acts that harm entire communities, and I applaud all who have already reached out in support of our Sikh students, faculty, and staff,” SJSU president Cynthia Teniente-Matson said.
The university also acknowledged errors in initial campus communications that misidentified the victim’s religious identity and later issued a clarification.
CYAN said the incident should not be viewed in isolation, arguing that it reflects a broader and escalating pattern of Hinduphobia in California. The group pointed to incidents over the past several years ranging from verbal harassment and intimidation to vandalism of Hindu religious institutions across the state.
According to data cited by CYAN from the California Civil Rights Department, nearly one-quarter of reported religion-based hate incidents in 2024 targeted Hindus.
“We stand with the Sikh student and the Sikh community on campus,” CYAN said, adding that it would not accept what it described as the erasure of the Hinduphobic dimension of the incident. The group said accurately naming bias is essential for accountability, prevention, and student safety.
CYAN also raised concerns about campus security, noting that the reported involvement of non-students highlights vulnerabilities that place Hindu, Sikh, and Indian students at risk. The organization urged university leadership to clearly condemn Hinduphobia, engage directly with Hindu student organizations, provide trauma-informed support services, and implement awareness programs addressing bias against Hindu and Sikh communities.
“Hindu students deserve protection, dignity, and inclusion just like every other community on campus,” the statement said, adding that ensuring student safety and accountability is the responsibility of the university.
San Jose State University has said it treats hate crimes seriously and continues to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation remains ongoing.
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