This article is an example of the need for strong and unambiguous bias crimes legislation. To join our efforts to support this change, visit https://indychamber.com/advocacy/bias-crimes/.

A little more than nine years after moving from their home country of India to the United States, Rejesh and Vidhya Patnaik always will remember 2017.

Along with being the year that the Indianapolis couple became American citizens, it also marks the first time that they became victims of a hate-based attack, targeted and belittled simply because of who they are and what they believe in.

“It took us a little while to wrap our heads around the whole thing,” Rejesh Patnaik said. “We’ve been in this location five years now, and we’ve never seen or experienced anything like this. Ever.”

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On Monday morning, the Patnaiks arrived at work to find the front of their northwest-side business, Signs By Tomorrow, covered in anti-Hindu graffiti and grease markings.

Original story: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/22/indian-business-owners-targeted-hateful-graffiti-standing-strong-after-attack/689106001/