Californians for Caste Equity Coalition is group of interfaith, intercaste, multi-racial, labor, legal and gender justice organizations that came together to support the passage of State Senator Wahab’s historic civil rights bill Sb-403 to end caste discrimination. This historic coalition represents Calfiornia and National organizations who are committed to an equitable and just society where everyone is valued and afforded equal protection under the law, regardless of their race, caste, and gender background.
Caste systems, which exist globally, create social hierarchies based on inherited status. Caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, medicine, and more. Those from caste-oppressed backgrounds face bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and hate crimes. While caste is strongly associated with South Asia, similar systems exist in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. This why the UN Convention on Racism and Discrimination recognizes caste as a form of racial discrimination and a globally recognized protected characteristic.
Caste systems in California have transcended geographical boundaries and impacted the lives of the caste-oppressed in the workplace, housing, and education. Our coalition is committed to the passage of this bill and is excited to see its implementation.