In a historic move, California is poised to become the first state in the United States to outlaw caste discrimination, a profound step towards addressing a deeply ingrained issue within South Asian communities. The legislation, which awaits the signature of the state governor, would add caste as a protected category under “ancestry” in the California Civil Rights Act, education, and housing codes.
This decision has been hailed as a monumental victory by organizations dedicated to fighting racial discrimination, such as Equality Labs. Tenmozhi Soundararajan, a prominent voice in this struggle, celebrated the Assembly’s vote, acknowledging the profound impact this legislation could have on vulnerable members of the community.
The significance of this law extends far beyond California’s borders, particularly resonating within the tech industry. Tech giants like Google, led by Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft, led by Satya Nadella, are helmed by individuals of Indian and Southeast Asian descent. However, it’s essential to recognize the nuance within this context, as these leaders hail from the highest Indian castes, such as Brahmans and Kshatriyas.
The catalyst for this groundbreaking legislation traces back to a troubling incident at Cisco earlier this year. Two Cisco executives, Sundar Iyer and Raman Kompell, faced accusations of caste-based discrimination and harassment against a fellow employee. The victim, a member of the Dalit community, represents a group positioned at the lowest rungs of the Indian caste system. This incident was a call to action, galvanizing California State Senator Aisha Wahab, who authored the bill that ultimately passed.
However, the South Asian community finds itself divided on this issue, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of caste discrimination. Advocacy groups like Hindus for Human Rights and Hindus for Caste Equity, backed by Equality Labs, argue that these legal protections are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable individuals from caste-based discrimination, especially in education and the technology sector, where many hold influential positions.
Yet, opposing voices, including organizations like the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, argue that this legislation unfairly targets Hindus and Indian-Americans, who are often associated with the caste system. They maintain that caste should fall under “national origin,” eliminating the need for a separate protected category. They emphasize the absence of clear data proving widespread discrimination and advocate for a more comprehensive approach.
The passage of this law will undoubtedly have profound implications, not just for California but also for broader discussions around discrimination, equality, and the protection of marginalized communities. As the state awaits the governor’s signature, it stands at the forefront of a crucial conversation—one that seeks to address an age-old issue and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
