California becomes first US state to pass bill banning caste discrimination
1 year, 6 months ago

California becomes first US state to pass bill banning caste discrimination

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California’s state legislature has become the first in the US to pass a bill banning discrimination on the basis of caste – a centuries-old rigid system of hierarchy in the Hindu religion. “I’m proud to stand in solidarity with every person who said they, as a Californian, experienced caste discrimination, and others who say they want it to stop,” said Democratic state senator Aisha Wahab, who also “We shined a light on a long-hidden form of discrimination thousands of years old, invisible shackles on the wrist of millions of people.” The bill was supported by a wide array of civil rights and social justice organisations that hailed the move. The history of the caste system is still hotly debated, but scholars generally agree that it dates back at least 3,000 years and was used to divide followers of the Hindu religion into hierarchical groups. “My family never talked about caste or told me about us being Dalit,” Shahira Kaur, associated with the Dalit rights group Equality Labs to promote the bill, said in a briefing following last week’s state assembly vote, reported Al Jazeera.

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History of this topic

California govt. dept says caste not essential part of Hinduism, amends 2020 complaint
1 year, 1 month ago

California govt. dept says caste not essential part of Hinduism, amends 2020 complaint

The Hindu  

A key California State government department has said caste and caste-based discrimination are not an essential part of Hinduism, and amended its 2020 complaint alleging discrimination at a Silicon Valley tech giant. According to a statement issued by the Hindu American Foundation on Tuesday, the California Civil Rights Department voluntarily filed a motion in the first week of December to …

Muslim-Sikh-Dalit Union is Waging Anti-Hinduism Campaign, Not Protecting Dalit in US - News18
1 year, 4 months ago

Muslim-Sikh-Dalit Union is Waging Anti-Hinduism Campaign, Not Protecting Dalit in US - News18

News 18  

Sociologist and professor Salvatore Babones speaks exclusively with News18 on his new paper titled ‘The Weaponization of Caste in America’ in which he contends that Dalit is not a caste in India, and the term does not meet the definitions of “caste” that have been used in or proposed for American legislation to ban caste-based discrimination. Nonetheless, the Muslim-Sikh-Dalit coalition …

US: California Governor vetoes landmark anti-caste discrimination bill, Indian community lauds move
1 year, 5 months ago

US: California Governor vetoes landmark anti-caste discrimination bill, Indian community lauds move

India TV News  

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of the US State of California, has vetoed a landmark anti-caste discrimination bill that was recently passed by the state assembly, calling the move 'unnecessary' and saying that laws against caste discrimination already exist in the state. Newsom said that he "cannot sign" the bill known as 'SB403', which, if passed, would have made California the …

California governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discrimination
1 year, 5 months ago

California governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discrimination

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In his message Newsom called the bill “unnecessary,” explaining …

California governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discrimination
1 year, 5 months ago

California governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discrimination

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Gov. In his message Newsom called the bill “unnecessary,” explaining that California “already prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics, and state law specifies that these civil rights protections shall be liberally construed.” “Because discrimination based on caste is already prohibited under these existing categories, …

California guv urged not to sign bill on caste-based discrimination
1 year, 5 months ago

California guv urged not to sign bill on caste-based discrimination

ABP News  

Washington, Sep 27 : Eminent Indian-American community leaders have urged California Governor Gavin Newsom not to sign a recently passed legislation which seeks to include "caste" as a protected category in California. The bill, introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab, seeks to include "caste" as a protected category in California, but its vague definition and potential for frivolous lawsuits have raised …

California's Indian-Americans Urge Governor Newsom to Veto Anti-Caste Discrimination Bill
1 year, 6 months ago

California's Indian-Americans Urge Governor Newsom to Veto Anti-Caste Discrimination Bill

News 18  

Members of the Indian-American community held a peaceful protest rally in California’s capital city Sacramento urging California governor Gavin Newsom to veto the anti-caste discrimination bill. Bonta, Carrillo, Irwin, Petrie-Norris & Wilson, who initially abstained, later changed their vote to Yes without explanation -Of 18 Republicans: 0 voted Yes, 3 No, Abstain 15 #WeWillRemember #VetoSB403 https://t.co/9RkszegUkl — Hindu American Foundation …

Indian-American group asks California Governor to veto anti-caste discrimination bill
1 year, 6 months ago

Indian-American group asks California Governor to veto anti-caste discrimination bill

The Hindu  

Scores of Indian-Americans held a peaceful protest rally in the State Capital of Sacramento urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the anti-caste discrimination bill, recently passed by the State Assembly, which they asserted is discriminatory and targets the Indians in general and Hindus in particular. If signed into law by Governor Newsom, California would become the first State in …

California Becomes First US State to Ban Caste-Based Discrimination
1 year, 6 months ago

California Becomes First US State to Ban Caste-Based Discrimination

News 18  

California lawmakers on Tuesday voted to outlaw discrimination based on caste, adding protections for people of South Asian descent who say they have been left out of traditional American safeguards for fairness in employment and housing. California’s civil rights law goes further by outlawing discrimination based on things like medical conditions, genetic information, sexual orientation, immigration status and ancestry. Tuesday, …

California passes bill banning caste-based discrimination
1 year, 6 months ago

California passes bill banning caste-based discrimination

Al Jazeera  

Dalit rights groups hail the vote as a landmark victory in their bid to stop casteism from taking root in the US. “I’m proud to stand in solidarity with every person who said they, as a Californian, experienced caste discrimination, and others who say they want it to stop,” Democratic State Senator Aisha Wahab, the bill’s author, said in a …

California lawmakers vote to become first state to ban caste-based discrimination
1 year, 6 months ago

California lawmakers vote to become first state to ban caste-based discrimination

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers on Tuesday voted to outlaw discrimination based on caste, adding protections for people of South Asian descent who say they have been left out of traditional American safeguards for fairness in employment and housing. Tuesday, the state Senate voted 31-5 to approve a bill that would redefine “ancestry” to include “lineal descent, heritage, parentage, caste, …

California passes ‘anti- caste discrimination' SB 403 bill: All you need to know
1 year, 6 months ago

California passes ‘anti- caste discrimination' SB 403 bill: All you need to know

Hindustan Times  

California became the first American state with a anti-caste discrimination bills when the California State Assembly approved the SB 403 bill on August 28th. California State Assembly passes anti-caste discrimination bill, becoming the first US state to address caste discrimination through legislation. The bill's sponsor, California State Senator Aisha Wahab, emphasized the importance of preventing discrimination linked to caste within …

California Assembly passes anti-caste discrimination bill
1 year, 6 months ago

California Assembly passes anti-caste discrimination bill

The Hindu  

An anti-caste discrimination bill has been passed by the California State Assembly that seeks to combat caste discrimination and strengthen protections for marginalised communities across the State. The bill passed by the California Assembly seeks to combat caste discrimination and strengthen protections for marginalised communities across the state. Tarina Mand, South Asian Bar Association Civil Rights Taskforce said California has …

In a Historic Move, California Assembly Passes Anti-Caste Discrimination Bill
1 year, 6 months ago

In a Historic Move, California Assembly Passes Anti-Caste Discrimination Bill

The Quint  

This case spurred many Ambedkarite groups into action and they gathered testimonies of many other Dalits who had faced similar harassment and discrimination on the basis of caste. Apple, which is headquartered in Cupertino – a city in California – updated its employee conduct policy in August 2020 to explicitly prohibit caste discrimination. In August 2021, California Democratic Party, an …

Dalit Christians — exclusion by society, church, state
1 year, 7 months ago

Dalit Christians — exclusion by society, church, state

The Hindu  

Last year, the Union Government constituted a commission, headed by the former Chief Justice of India, K.G. Intersectional burdens The ‘Theory of Intersectionality’ shows the bigger picture of the Dalit Christian conundrum as it allows an understanding of caste with religion and a composite understanding of Dalit Christians as ‘Dalits’ and as a ‘religious minority group’. This description helps form …

US: Indian Americans call for protection against rising Hinduphobia; US lawmakers stand in support
1 year, 8 months ago

US: Indian Americans call for protection against rising Hinduphobia; US lawmakers stand in support

India TV News  

A group of eminent Indian Americans has urged lawmakers here to take steps against rising Hinduphobia activities in the US and protect the rights of the Hindu community in the country. "There is a need to pay attention to how “there is discrimination not just by race but also by religion and Hinduphobia and intimidation of the Hindu community is …

California one step closer to ban ‘caste-based’ discrimination, could become first US state to enact such law
1 year, 8 months ago

California one step closer to ban ‘caste-based’ discrimination, could become first US state to enact such law

Hindustan Times  

The Assembly Judiciary Committee in California passed a bill aimed at ‘banning caste discrimination’ on Wednesday. The bill, known as ‘Senate Bill 403,’ includes ‘caste as a protected category’ in the Unruh Civil Rights Act, as well as in fair housing and employment laws. Supporters of the bill to make lower caste a protected class in California believe that caste …

California Committee passes landmark bill to prohibit caste discrimination
1 year, 8 months ago

California Committee passes landmark bill to prohibit caste discrimination

Live Mint  

In a significant step towards equality and social justice, the Assembly Judiciary Committee of California recently conducted a hearing for Senate Bill 403, which aims to prohibit caste discrimination, according to a report published by ABC10. If passed, California would become the first state in the United States to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination by including caste as a protected category …

US: California Senate passes Bill to ban caste discrimination
1 year, 10 months ago

US: California Senate passes Bill to ban caste discrimination

India TV News  

California: The California State Senate passed a Bill to ban caste-based discrimination in the state on Thursday. It also follows the Seattle City Council's historic legislation banning caste discrimination earlier this year, as well as resolutions to designate caste as a protected category passed by the California Democratic Party, the California State University system, the Alphabet Workers Union, tech giants …

Bill to outlaw discrimination based on caste clears California Senate
1 year, 10 months ago

Bill to outlaw discrimination based on caste clears California Senate

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The …

Bill to outlaw discrimination based on caste clears California Senate
1 year, 10 months ago

Bill to outlaw discrimination based on caste clears California Senate

Associated Press  

The California Senate voted 34-1 Thursday in favor of legislation outlawing caste discrimination in the state. If it passes in the state Assembly and is enacted, California could become the first state in the nation to make caste bias illegal by adding it as a protected category in the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Proponents say caste discrimination is a reality in …

Does Big Tech have a problem with caste discrimination?
1 year, 10 months ago

Does Big Tech have a problem with caste discrimination?

Al Jazeera  

The social hierarchy has become a flashpoint in the US, leading to a ban in a big city. The caste system is a social hierarchy common in South Asian countries and communities but has now also become a flashpoint in the United States. Earlier this year, Seattle became the first US city to explicitly ban caste discrimination. South Asians make …

California’s caste bias bill clears Senate panel
1 year, 10 months ago

California’s caste bias bill clears Senate panel

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi: A bill seeking to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination in California cleared its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday after the state’s senate judiciary committee unanimously decided to move the draft law to the senate. State Senator Aisha Wahab listens to speakers during a news conference where she proposed SB 403, a bill that adds caste as a protected category …

California Takes on Caste-based Discrimination in US as Bill Banning Bias Clears Major Hurdle
1 year, 11 months ago

California Takes on Caste-based Discrimination in US as Bill Banning Bias Clears Major Hurdle

News 18  

A bill that will outlaw caste discrimination in California cleared the first legislative hurdle as the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted in favour of the legislation. The bill titled ‘SB–403: Discrimination on the basis of caste’ if passed, would make California the first state in the US to make caste bias illegal and would add it as a …

California’s caste bias bill clears first legislative hurdle
1 year, 11 months ago

California’s caste bias bill clears first legislative hurdle

Associated Press  

A bill that would outlaw caste discrimination in California has cleared its first big legislative hurdle. “We’ve hit a nerve and exposed a form of discrimination many never even knew existed,” said Wahab, D-Hayward, who told committee members that she has received death threats after proposing this legislation. Wahab asserted Tuesday that the bill “does not target any specific community …

California's caste bias bill clears first legislative hurdle
1 year, 11 months ago

California's caste bias bill clears first legislative hurdle

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We’ve hit a nerve and …

Caste discrimination ban comes into effect in US city of Seattle today
1 year, 11 months ago

Caste discrimination ban comes into effect in US city of Seattle today

Live Mint  

A landmark law banning caste-based discrimination came into effect in the US city of Seattle, making it the first city outside India to enforce such a legislation. Seattle is not only the first American city to ban caste discrimination but is the first jurisdiction at any level globally outside South Asia to do so. “The world’s first ban against caste …

Law banning caste-based discrimination comes into effect in US' Seattle
1 year, 11 months ago

Law banning caste-based discrimination comes into effect in US' Seattle

Hindustan Times  

A landmark law banning caste-based discrimination came into effect in the US city of Seattle, making it the first city outside India to enforce such a legislation. Seattle is not only the first American city to ban caste discrimination but is the first jurisdiction at any level globally outside South Asia to do so. “The world’s first ban against caste …

Explained: Why California is considering a ban on caste discrimination
2 years ago

Explained: Why California is considering a ban on caste discrimination

Firstpost  

California is considering a ban on caste discrimination. “Significant caste discrimination exists in the United States,” said Mayuri Raja, a Google software engineer who is a member of the AWU and advocates for lower-caste colleagues. The companies’ presentations include explanations of caste as an unwanted social structure that exists in parts of the world, according to a Reuters review of …

New bill aims to outlaw caste discrimination in California
2 years ago

New bill aims to outlaw caste discrimination in California

The Hindu  

California may become the first state in the nation to outlaw caste-based bias, a safeguard people of South Asian descent say is necessary to protect them from discrimination in housing, education and the tech sector where they hold key roles. Wahab said caste discrimination is “a social justice and civil rights issue.” “People came to this country so they can …

New bill aims to outlaw caste discrimination in California
2 years ago

New bill aims to outlaw caste discrimination in California

Associated Press  

California may become the first state in the nation to outlaw caste-based bias, a safeguard people of South Asian descent say is necessary to protect them from discrimination in housing, education and the tech sector where they hold key roles. Wahab said caste discrimination is “a social justice and civil rights issue.” “People came to this country so they can …

Explained | Will the Seattle move shield against caste bias?
2 years, 1 month ago

Explained | Will the Seattle move shield against caste bias?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On February 21, the Seattle City Council became the first U.S. city to ban caste-based discrimination. Defining caste as a “rigid social stratification characterised by hereditary status, endogamy and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law or religion,” the council said discrimination based on caste was occurring in Seattle and that the legislation would prohibit “such caste-based …

USA: Seattle City Council adds 'caste' in its non-discrimination policy, Hindu Americans object
2 years, 1 month ago

USA: Seattle City Council adds 'caste' in its non-discrimination policy, Hindu Americans object

Op India  

On February 21, the Seattle City Council in USA passed Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s Regarding the resolution, Hindu American Foundation co-founder and Executive Director Suhag Shukla said in an official statement, “Throughout our two decades of existence, HAF has maintained that caste discrimination is wrong, violating core Hindu principles of the divine oneness of all beings. Calling it an international problem …

Seattle becomes first US city to ban discrimination by caste
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first US city to ban discrimination by caste

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s a historic moment.” Thenmozhi Soundararajan, executive director …

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination

Deccan Chronicle  

WASHINGTON: Seattle has become the first US city to outlaw caste discrimination after its local council overwhelmingly passed a resolution moved by an Indian-American politician and economist to add caste to its non-discrimination policy. Equality Labs, the brain behind the anti-caste discrimination resolution in Seattle and which has been spearheading a nationwide campaign said: “Love has won over hate as …

Who is Kshama Sawant, the Indian-American behind Seattle’s ban on caste discrimination?
2 years, 1 month ago

Who is Kshama Sawant, the Indian-American behind Seattle’s ban on caste discrimination?

Firstpost  

In a historical step, Seattle has become the first city in the United States to ban caste discrimination. Ahead of the vote, Sawant had said, “This is a truly ground-breaking legislation, it will be a beacon for councils and communities across the country.” It’s official: our movement has WON a historic, first-in-the-nation ban on caste discrimination in Seattle! AP File …

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination

Live Mint  

Seattle has become the first city in the United States to ban discrimination based on caste, following a city council vote on Tuesday. "With over 167,000 people from South Asia living in Washington, largely concentrated in the Greater Seattle area, the region must address caste discrimination, and not allow it to remain invisible and unaddressed," she said. "Love has won …

Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination and the first in the world to pass such a law outside South Asia. “It’s a historic moment.” Thenmozhi Soundararajan, executive director of Oakland, California-based Equality Labs, whose advocacy work along with community partners continues to …

Seattle Becomes First US City to Pass Legislation Banning Caste-based Discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle Becomes First US City to Pass Legislation Banning Caste-based Discrimination

News 18  

Seattle on Tuesday added caste to city’s anti-discrimination laws and became the first US city to ban caste discrimination, news agency Associated Press reported. There were growing demands to ban discrimination based on caste after some members of the Indian American community alleged that they faced caste-based discrimination in tech companies and universities. The majority of the council passed the …

Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination

The Hindu  

The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first U.S. city to specifically ban caste discrimination. Calls to outlaw discrimination based on caste, a division of people based on birth or descent, have grown louder among South Asian diaspora communities in the United States. Council Member Kshama Sawant, a socialist and the only …

Seattle bans caste discrimination: Here’s why it’s controversial
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle bans caste discrimination: Here’s why it’s controversial

Live Mint  

For the first time in the US, a city has expanded its anti-discrimination laws to include caste. The Seattle City Council, on February 21, took the historic decision while caste prejudice was adopted by a 6-1. Supporters argue it transcends national and religious lines, and those who experience caste discrimination in the US won't have any rights without such regulations. …

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination

Al Jazeera  

Advocates have long argued that pre-existing federal anti-discrimination laws do not extend to caste. City council member Kshama Sawant, who proposed the ordinance, said during Tuesday’s session that the measure does not single out one community, but accounts for how caste discrimination crosses national and religious boundaries. “Now we need to build a movement to spread this victory around the …

‘Dalits Should Be Recognized as Human Beings’: Seattle to Outlaw Caste-Based Discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Dalits Should Be Recognized as Human Beings’: Seattle to Outlaw Caste-Based Discrimination

News 18  

Among Kshama Sawant’s earliest memories of the caste system was hearing her grandfather — a man she “otherwise loved very much” — utter a slur to summon their lower-caste maid. He responded that his granddaughter “talked too much.” Now 50, and an elected official in a city far from India, Sawant has proposed an ordinance to add caste to Seattle’s …

Seattle considers historic law barring caste discrimination
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle considers historic law barring caste discrimination

Associated Press  

Among Kshama Sawant’s earliest memories of the caste system was hearing her grandfather — a man she “otherwise loved very much” — utter a slur to summon their lower-caste maid. He responded that his granddaughter “talked too much.” Now 50, and an elected official in a city far from India, Sawant has proposed an ordinance to add caste to Seattle’s …

Seattle may become the first U.S. city to outlaw caste
2 years, 1 month ago

Seattle may become the first U.S. city to outlaw caste

Associated Press  

One of Kshama Sawant’s earliest memories of the caste system was hearing her grandfather — a man she “otherwise loved very much” — utter a slur to summon their lower-caste maid. He responded that his granddaughter “talked too much.” Now 50, and an elected official in a city far from India, Sawant has proposed an ordinance to add caste to …

Lawsuit Claims California State University's Anti-Discrimination Policy Targets Hindus by Including ‘Caste’ as Protected Category
2 years, 5 months ago

Lawsuit Claims California State University's Anti-Discrimination Policy Targets Hindus by Including ‘Caste’ as Protected Category

News 18  

The Hindu American Foundation and Fox Rothschild filed a civil rights lawsuit Monday against the chancellor and trustees of California State University in the California Central District Court. In 2022, the California State University system passed a resolution to add caste as a category of discrimination in order to ensure that students and faculty report anti-Dalit bias. The move by …

‘Watershed’: Dalits hail US university’s caste discrimination ban
3 years, 1 month ago

‘Watershed’: Dalits hail US university’s caste discrimination ban

Al Jazeera  

Activists behind the move by the California State University system say it will accelerate the civil rights movement for caste equity in the US. Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit American activist and executive director of Equality Labs civil rights organisation, considers the addition of caste protections at CSU systems a “watershed moment” for the community. “We respectfully disagree with the position …

Explained | How is U.S. tackling discrimination on campuses?
3 years, 1 month ago

Explained | How is U.S. tackling discrimination on campuses?

The Hindu  

The story so far: The California Faculty Association this month added caste criteria into its anti-discrimination policies, a move that was subsequently ratified by the Board of Trustees of the California State University system. These include Harvard University, which became the first Ivy League university to recognise caste-based discrimination as an issue of concern, when it ratified, in December 2021, …

Faculty members of California State University protest inclusion of caste in non-discriminatory policy
3 years, 2 months ago

Faculty members of California State University protest inclusion of caste in non-discriminatory policy

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Days after California State …

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