UC Berkeley student government rejects Hindu Heritage Month

The Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) at UC Berkeley recently rejected a resolution to recognize October as Hindu Heritage Month, sparking accusations of Hinduphobia and bias. The resolution, authored by a Caribbean Hindu student, aimed to celebrate Hindu contributions to American society and the UC Berkeley campus while avoiding political references. However, opponents argued that it could be used to legitimize Hindu nationalist ideology, despite no mention of such in the text.

Critics, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), condemned the decision as discriminatory, highlighting that similar heritage recognitions for other communities had passed without resistance. The debate became heated, with reports of public bullying during the student senate meeting, including a student making a choking gesture while the resolution was being discussed. CoHNA has called for an investigation, an apology, and accountability for what it describes as institutional bias.

The controversy has reignited concerns about the representation of minority faiths on campus, with Hindu students arguing that their cultural identity is being unfairly politicized. The ASUC defended its decision as an effort to avoid unintended political implications, but Hindu advocacy groups continue to push for transparency and equal respect for all communities.

Source :https://asamnews.com/2025/05/20/student-senate-accused-hinduphobia-university-of-california/