A late-night incident at San Jose State University has triggered widespread concern after a Sikh student was allegedly assaulted and had his turban forcibly removed by a group of men who reportedly misidentified him as Hindu.
University officials have launched an investigation into the attack as a possible hate crime, while community leaders are demanding accountability and better protection for visibly religious students. The assault has sparked emotional reactions across campus, with students, faith groups, and civil rights advocates calling for awareness and stronger safety measures.
What Happened at San Jose State University?
The alleged attack took place around 12:45 am on February 7 near MacQuarrie Hall on campus. According to campus police, a group of five individuals, believed not to be students, confronted the Sikh student and physically assaulted him.
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses. Authorities have not announced any arrests so far.
Student leaders said the attackers forced the victim to the ground and removed his dastaar, a sacred Sikh turban. The act has deeply disturbed the Sikh community, as the turban holds profound religious and cultural significance.
San Jose State University: Who is the Victim?
University officials have not publicly disclosed the name of the student for privacy and safety reasons. However, student groups confirmed that he is an active member of the campus Sikh community.
His brother, Harshdeep Singh, has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of the incident on the family. He emphasized that the trauma extends beyond physical harm and affects the entire community.
San Jose State University: Was the Sikh Student Mistaken for Hindu?
According to Hasmeet Kaur, president of the university’s Sikh Collegiate Federation, the attackers repeatedly referred to the victim as Hindu during the assault, misidentifying his faith. She said she had viewed mobile phone footage of the incident recorded by another student, though the video has not been released publicly.
The misidentification also appeared in an initial campus-wide message, which incorrectly described the victim’s religious identity.
In a later statement, Kathryn Kaoudis, Vice President for Administration and Finance at the university, acknowledged the error, stating that the institution “misidentified the student as Hindu instead of Sikh” and accepted responsibility for the harm caused.
San Jose State University: Is the Incident Being Investigated as a Hate Crime?
Yes. University authorities confirmed that they are investigating the case as a possible hate crime. Campus police are analyzing video evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine whether the assault was motivated by religious bias. Officials have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
The incident has intensified conversations about campus safety and the protection of students who wear visible religious attire.
San Jose State University: Community Reaction & Calls for Accountability
The victim’s brother, Harshdeep Singh, addressed the issue during a town hall meeting, saying the family is struggling but grateful that the student is safe.
“Bringing awareness to the student body and also keeping the police dept accountable, they could be doing a way better job than what they’re doing right now,” Singh said at a townhall. He also spoke about the emotional toll on the family:
“To see someone that younger than I am, somebody I am supposed to protect, make sure they’re safe, that I couldn’t be there, help prevent this, the family feels down, but we’re making the best of it, we’re just happy he’s safe,” Singh said.
The CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN), the youth wing of the Coalition of Hindus of North America, condemned the attack in a statement issued on 13 February. While acknowledging that the victim is Sikh, the group said the alleged use of “Hindu” as a slur alongside physical violence points to anti-Hindu bias.
CYAN said it stands in solidarity with the Sikh student and the Sikh community on campus, while also urging authorities to accurately identify the bias involved. The group argued that naming the prejudice correctly is essential for accountability, prevention, and student safety.
San Jose State University: Why the Turban Matters in Sikhism?
In Sikhism, the turban, or dastaar, represents faith, dignity, and commitment to spiritual principles. Forcibly removing it is not only physically aggressive but also deeply disrespectful to religious identity.
Community leaders have stressed that misunderstandings about Sikh identity often lead to discrimination. They are urging educational institutions to promote awareness about religious diversity.
