Washington, DC, USA:  Sim J. Singh Attariwala, who currently leads the Anti-Hate Program at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), has been selected to serve as a Commissioner on the District of Columbia Human Rights Commission.

His appointment was made by Mayor Muriel Bowser and later approved by the DC Council, marking him as one of the first Sikh Americans to take on this position within Washington, DC.

Speaking about the importance of the Commission’s mission, Attariwala remarked, “This body upholds one of the strongest civil rights protections in the nation. Its work serves as a reminder that dignity, fairness, and equal treatment must remain central to public life.”

He further noted, “I am eager to bring my background in civil rights advocacy, anti-hate initiatives, and community engagement to help strengthen these safeguards for everyone who calls the District their home.”

Before his role at AAJC, Attariwala directed the Department of Justice’s Centre for Faith-Based and Neighbourhood Partnerships, collaborating with the White House and federal agencies to increase access to justice, combat hate crimes, and confront religious discrimination.

He holds an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Centre, a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Centre, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management from Florida International University.

The Sikh Coalition expressed support for his new position, saying, “We congratulate Sim J. Singh Attariwala on his appointment and confirmation as a Commissioner of the District of Columbia Human Rights Commission.”

The organisation stated, “His appointment underscores the growing presence and leadership of Sikh Americans in public service.”