New Jersey bill A978 adds Sikhs to the protected classes in the bias intimidation law and allocates $100,000 for Sikh awareness initiatives.

New Jersey bill A978 amends the state's bias intimidation law to include Sikhs as a protected class. This means that acts of hatred or disparagement towards Sikhs will be treated as bias crimes. The bill also mandates that the Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Education, develop training for law enforcement on Sikh identity and anti-Sikh hate. Additionally, the Chief Diversity Officer must ensure that anti-Sikh hate is included in bias intimidation policies and diversity, equity, and inclusivity programs.

New Jersey bill A978 adds Sikhs to the protected classes in the bias intimidation law and allocates $100,000 for Sikh awareness initiatives.

New Jersey bill A978 amends the state's bias intimidation law to include Sikhs as a protected class. This means that acts of hatred or disparagement towards Sikhs will be treated as bias crimes. The bill also mandates that the Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Education, develop training for law enforcement on Sikh identity and anti-Sikh hate. Additionally, the Chief Diversity Officer must ensure that anti-Sikh hate is included in bias intimidation policies and diversity, equity, and inclusivity programs.