Indian-Americans in Seattle cheer ban on caste discrimination ‘virus’ that oppresses Dalits

The law, passed in the US’ largest tech hub where thousands of Indians work, bans caste discrimination in workplaces, housing and public spaces

The United States is home to the second-largest diaspora of Indians living abroad, with as many as 4.2 million calling the country home

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People applaud Seattle banning caste discrimination at a city council meeting last month. Photo: TNS

Published: 12:00pm, 6 Mar 2023Updated: 1:20pm, 6 Mar 2023

Indian-Americans in Seattle say the city’s historic decision to ban caste discrimination is a significant win in their fight against a centuries-old system that shapes the behaviour of members of the community, many of whom have carried the biases from their homeland to the United States.

The law, passed on February 21, bans caste discrimination in workplaces, housing and public spaces such as transport, hotels, public restrooms, and retail establishments. It came about after a years-long campaign by rights groups and that was pushed by councilwoman Kshama Sawant.

“The fight against caste discrimination is deeply connected to the fight against all forms of oppression,” said Sawant, an upper-caste Hindu Brahmin.

Councilwoman Kshama Sawant announces legislation to combat caste discrimination in Seattle. Photo: TNS

Shailaja Paik, an associate professor of history at the University of Cincinnati, called the ordinance “a big victory in creating an environment that is respectful, fair, and just”.

“It is historic in fighting the mutating, shape-shifting caste virus that has trans-nationalised in an unprecedented manner in the 21st century,” Paik said.

Caste is an issue in Seattle, home to the nation’s largest tech hub where thousands of Indians work. Washington state has more than 150,000 South Asian residents, many based in the Seattle area, according to The Washington Post. The vote was preceded by many public committee hearings and letters that showed the effects of caste discrimination in the workplace.

India’s caste system is more than 3,000 years old. It divides Hindus into a hierarchy with Dalits on the lowest rung. Though India officially banned caste-based discrimination in 1948, and that law was enshrined in the constitution in 1950, the practice continues to plague modern India, from rural areas to the metropolitan cities. India’s National Crime Records Bureau in 2021 recorded some 51,000 crimes against Dalits.