Illinois, USA: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), one of the few Hindu Americans in Congress, praised the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) new initiative aimed at improving relations between Hindu-American communities and law enforcement. The initiative, launched by the DOJ’s Community Relations Service (CRS), focuses on addressing hate crimes and fostering stronger connections between Hindu Americans and law enforcement agencies.

Krishnamoorthi lauded the initiative as a response to the concerns of Hindu Americans who have long felt marginalized and targeted by prejudice. He acknowledged the role of Hindu American leaders and groups, particularly the Hindu American Foundation, in advocating for the program's creation.

The CRS’s “Engaging and Building Relationships with Hindu American Communities” program includes a detailed training session for law enforcement, schools, and community groups, covering Hindu philosophy, the effects of hate crimes, and strategies to build mutual respect and trust. The program, developed in collaboration with Hindu American organizations, is available at no cost to communities nationwide. Krishnamoorthi also stressed the importance of maintaining the program’s priority amid the upcoming leadership transition at the White House.