Through Stop the Hate, Jakara Movement supported Sikh students at San Jose State University after a Sikh student was assaulted in an incident that included the removal of his turban, a visible article of faith with deep religious significance.
The attack deeply affected students and community members across faiths and highlighted the ongoing impact of hate targeting people based on their perceived identity.
Because of Jakara Movement’s long-standing investment in youth leadership and organizing, students were able to respond quickly. Through the Sikh Collegiate Federation chapter at San Jose State, students convened a campus town hall, educated peers about the significance of the incident and developed recommendations to strengthen cultural awareness and support for Sikh students on campus. Stop the Hate staff also helped connect the student and family with reporting resources and local law enforcement.
The response demonstrated the power of youth leadership and community infrastructure. Rather than allowing an act of hate to define the campus community, students transformed a painful experience into an opportunity for education, advocacy and institutional accountability. Jakara Movement’s work shows how investing in leadership before a crisis occurs helps communities respond with resilience, solidarity and action when challenges arise.
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