The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the wave of hate-filled messages and reportedly coordinated intimidation efforts that sought to pressure Rutgers University into cancelling its public discussion on Hindutva extremism.
The event, “Hindutva in America: A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism,” happened on Oct. 27 at Rutgers University’s Archibald S. Alexander Library, where at least five officers were present on the premises for safety concerns.
Prior to the event, the university received hundreds of messages calling on administrators to shut down the event because of its critical discussion on the rise of India’s far-right Hindutva movement and its devastating impact on Christians, Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs and other minorities facing discrimination and violence under Prime Minister Modi’s government.
In response to the hateful campaign, CAIR-NJ sent a private letter to university administrators, expressing the importance of the discussion and academic freedom and urged the community to act by sending a message of their own.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Let us be clear: the vitriol directed at Rutgers was not about academic debate. It was rooted in anti-Muslim bigotry and an effort to erase conversations on religious nationalism and minority rights. That hate campaign only underscores why this event was necessary. We applaud CSRR for holding such an important event.
“Just as criticism of government policies in Israel and the mass slaughter of civilians in Gaza must not be conflated with antisemitism, criticism of Hindutva must not be weaponized to silence advocates, scholars and vulnerable communities seeking justice and accountability.
“Efforts to erase legitimate human-rights concerns by falsely labeling them as hate speech fuels oppression and stifles necessary public dialogue.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 862-264-9414, smaksut@cair.com