The new bill that was introduced Wednesday in California’s State Senate could prove to be a landmark in the fight against discrimination based on caste in America. It would be the first state to name caste explicitly as a protected group if it is signed into law.
Aisha Wahab (State Senator), who represents Fremont and San Jose as well as other South Asian American hubs within Northern California, stated that she has been conscious of the negative effects of casteism for most of her life. Casteism has been dominant in South Asia for centuries. It stratifies society into immovable social groups that have an impact on work, marriage, and everyday life.
Although discrimination based upon caste is illegal in India, it still exists in the lives and daily activities of Dalits, people who were born in the lowest ranks of the caste hierarchy. The caste system has adapted to Indians who have settled elsewhere in the world.
Wahab stated to NBC News that California’s diversity means more Americans are protected. “Our laws must be expanded to cover more people and go further.”
Wahab believes that a bill such as this would make sure companies take responsibility for how Dalit employees are treated, given the many stories of widespread caste discrimination in Silicon Valley. She said it would help prevent issues such as wage theft, harassment, and social exclusion in the workplace.
She said that “More people are sharing their personal stories about discrimination.” “This bill is a civil right bill, it is a workers bill and it is a women’s rights bill.”
Wahab anticipates opposition to the bill in order for it to pass and be implemented. Some Hindu nationalism is becoming more prevalent in India and diaspora. Some born to privileged castes believe that protecting Dalits from discrimination is anti-Hindu. The senator stated that the bill is applicable across religions and communities, and she’s willing to push it forward despite any resistance.
She said, “I’m happy taking the hits from these bill opponents,” “I know this is right.”
Thenmozhi soundararajan, a Dalit activist who founded the caste equity group Equality Labs, stated that she is optimistic about this bill. Seattle was the first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination last month after Equality Labs and other civil right partners worked.
This is a trend that has been growing over the past few years. It has led to the removal of discrimination policies at educational institutions such as Brown University, University of California Davis, and the entire California State University System.
Soundararajan stated in an Equality Labs press statement that “Caste-oppressed Californians” are present and they deserve schools and workplaces free from violence and discrimination. “We are aware that we may face threats and bigotry but we will treat our adversaries with love and empathy.”
Wahab admitted that this bill is just the beginning. The legislation must be followed up by mass education in order to allow Dalits to report any discrimination. She said that government officials, teachers, and police officers need to be educated about the complex caste system and how they can spot bias.
She stated that the caste system was not well-known by the American public. “We’ve been wondering what this means. What does this mean? What can we do to ensure employers train?
She would like the bill to be similar to laws on issues such racial and sex discrimination that are discussed at work and in education.
She stated that “I believe most Americans support civil rights.” “This bill is about human rights. This bill will let people pursue their American dream without restrictions on their origins, appearance, or treatment elsewhere.
