Hinduphobia in Temples: Proactive Grassroots Advocacy is Making a Difference

Drive-throughs are part of the fabric of daily life in America— coffee, car washes, cinema, you name it. But drive-through Hinduphobia? That’s something no one probably saw coming!

And yet this is exactly what happened on the afternoon of December 20, 2024, in Edina, Minnesota. A man drove to the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple (which he described as “fucking shit skin”), pulled up into the parking lot, opened his door, and called out to the two temple attendees who were getting into their car across the street. As they turned around, he delivered a vile, unhinged performance of xenophobia. 

“This is my country for white people. Would you please take your religion back to India? You guys are invading my country, so I need you guys to leave and go back to India. Thank you. You are no longer welcome here. 

White people are waking up, and we are tired of being invaded by other people’ cultures. We built this fucking nation. So, understand this, okay: We are not having any of your shit anymore. Get out!”

What makes this incident even more chilling is that the individual recorded himself during the verbal abuse and shared the video online. The clip quickly gained traction on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), amplifying its hateful message and causing widespread concern within the community.

CoHNA’s Collaboration with Law Enforcement

CoHNA’s Minnesota chapter played a pivotal role in supporting the community during this crisis. They worked closely with the Edina Police Department to address the incident and ensure a timely response. Edina Police quickly identified the individual as a white, 31 year old male believed to reside in the Northwestern suburb of Minneapolis.

Further investigation by the Edina Police Department uncovered additional troublesome online activity. His social media accounts were replete with racist, antisemitic, Hinduphobic, White-supremacist content, which raised significant concerns about the potential for escalation. 

CoHNA’s collaboration with the Edina Police Department culminated in a joint public statement that reaffirmed a shared commitment to confronting hate speech and ensuring community safety.

The statement emphasized that while hate speech alone may not meet the legal threshold for a hate crime under Minnesota law, it becomes a serious issue when coupled with actions such as vandalism or assault. By working with local authorities, CoHNA underscored the importance of tackling Hinduphobia with vigilance and proactive measures.

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy

CoHNA’s efforts in Minnesota highlight the importance of grassroots advocacy in addressing systemic biases and supporting marginalized communities. Our work included:

• Providing resources and guidance to community members on handling hate incidents.
• Collaborating with law enforcement to foster dialogue and build trust.
• Advocating for stronger community education to combat Hinduphobia at its roots.

Through its local chapter, CoHNA ensures that Hindu voices are heard, and that community safety remains a priority. The joint statement with the Edina Police Department stands as a powerful example of how collaboration can create impactful change.

Steps to Tackle Hate: A Community Approach

To combat the rise of Hinduphobia, CoHNA recommends actionable steps for individuals and organizations:

1. Document and Report Incidents: Collect evidence and report hate speech or bias-motivated incidents to local law enforcement and advocacy groups.
2. Engage with Authorities: Build relationships with local police departments to create open channels of communication.
3. Strengthen Community Bonds: Foster unity by organizing events, workshops, and discussions to educate communities about Hinduphobia and its impacts.
4. Collaborate with Advocacy Groups: Partner with organizations like CoHNA to amplify voices and create systemic change.