caste system
California governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discrimination
By Deepa Bharath — October 7, 2023
(AP) — “Because discrimination based on caste is already prohibited under these existing categories, this bill is unnecessary,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in his statement.
California’s caste bill passes key hurdle with 50-3 Assembly vote
By Richa Karmarkar — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — Senate Bill 403 exposed a rift among members of the South Asian American community over the prevalence of caste-based discrimination in the United States.
How a mysterious Indian religious figure united Hindus and Muslims
By Murali Balaji — August 4, 2023
(RNS) — The life and words of Shirdi Sai Baba could prove to be an inspiration to those seeking to rebuild the bridges between followers of both faiths.
California’s compromise ‘caste’ bill promotes democracy in more ways than one
By Suhag Shukla — July 14, 2023
(RNS) — The fight to retool the bill brought thousands of South Asians into the political process.
Caste discrimination laws remain fraught. Here’s why they shouldn’t be.
By South Asia Scholar Activist Collective — April 28, 2023
(RNS) — Caste is one of the least visible yet most pernicious sources of anti-Asian hate in the US.
Discrimination based on caste is pervasive in South Asian communities around the world – now Seattle has banned it
By Aseem Hasnain and Abhilasha Srivastava — March 8, 2023
(The Conversation) — Two social scientists explain how caste-identities are pervasive in not just Hinduism but other South Asian faith groups as well.
Hindu advocates sue California, arguing bans on caste discrimination misrepresent beliefs
By Richa Karmarkar — September 28, 2022
(RNS) — At the crux of the HAF lawsuit is the question of whether caste is inherently tied to Hindu dharma.
Caste doesn’t just exist in India or in Hinduism – it is pervasive across many religions in South Asia and the diaspora
By Aseem Hasnain and Abhilasha Srivastava — May 5, 2022
(The Conversation) — Several US universities now recognize caste as part of nondiscrimination policies. Two scholars of South Asian studies explain how caste-based violence isn’t limited to Hinduism, or to India.
UPenn law professor Amy Wax’s anti-Indian rants leave out inconvenient history
By Suhag Shukla — April 20, 2022
(RNS) — Wax’s appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show crossed into an increasingly common Hinduphobia.
Why Cal State’s new caste discrimination policy is a critical step
By Dheepa Sundaram and Simran Jeet Singh — January 27, 2022
(RNS) — As the South Asian American population grows, caste is playing an increasingly important role in American life.
Under guise of protecting workers, California defines (and demonizes) Hinduism
By Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria — February 2, 2021
(RNS) — In defining caste as we know it as a Hindu concept, the state paints a major world faith as inherently discriminatory.
Brandeis University stands by caste-bias ban despite pushback from Hindu activists
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — October 19, 2020
(RNS) — A year-old ban against caste bias, says the Hindu American Foundation, is a ‘deeply problematic’ remedy for a largely nonexistent problem.
Is it time to add ‘caste’ as a category in US anti-discrimination laws?
By Joseph D'Souza — September 11, 2020
(RNS) — Kamala Harris’ rise in American politlcs makes this an opportune time to address growing caste discrimination in the United States.
India can take lessons from US in our struggle to end casteism
By Joseph D'Souza — June 11, 2020
(RNS) — While America's response must feel tortuous to those marching, it gives me hope that India, where I sit, can confront its past and present history of casteism.
Raising a progressive Hindu voice to counter Indian Modi’s increasing power
By Simran Jeet Singh — July 8, 2019
(RNS) — Sunita Viswanath founded Sadhana in 2011 to counter those in India and abroad who she believes are co-opting Hinduism for political gain.
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