Fresno Makes History as Second US City to Ban Caste Discrimination, Paving the Way for Equality

Fresno, California has made history as the second city in the United States to ban caste discrimination. The City Council unanimously passed a resolution to include two new protected categories in its municipal code, following in the footsteps of Seattle, which was the first US city to outlaw caste discrimination. This significant move comes amidst a nationwide civil rights movement, led primarily by South Asian Americans who have experienced oppression based on their caste backgrounds.

Fresno City Council Vice President Annalisa Perea expressed her pride in the city for taking a stand against discrimination and strengthening civil rights protections. While acknowledging that discrimination won't disappear overnight, Perea emphasized the importance of this anti-discrimination policy. Leaders advocating for caste equity in California are currently on a hunger strike, urging Governor Newsom to sign Senate Bill 403, which would add caste to the state's anti-discrimination policy. This hunger strike will continue until the bill becomes law, potentially as late as October 14.

The fight for caste equality has gained momentum, with various groups and individuals pushing for legislative change and raising awareness about the discrimination faced by oppressed castes. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has filed a lawsuit against the California Civil Rights Department, claiming that it has violated the constitutional rights of Hindus living in the state. The foundation alleges that the department wrongly asserts that caste-based discrimination is an integral part of Hindu teachings and practices, thereby infringing upon the rights of Hindus.

Caste systems, inherited social hierarchies predominant in the Indian subcontinent, result in the division of society into classes that heavily impact people's lives. Those born into lower castes face violence, limited social mobility, and exclusion, both within India and among global diaspora populations. Through the banning of caste discrimination, cities like Fresno and Seattle are taking significant steps towards addressing these deep-rooted issues and promoting equality among all residents.