Caste system is a hierarchical social system which determines a person’s position in society by birth. It has its roots in Hinduism, but later spread to other religions in South Asia. The practice of “untouchability” or discrimination – against the lowest caste in the South Asian ranks – known as Dalits or “untouchables” – was banned in India decades ago. Community to America and elsewhere.
Washington state is home to more than 150,000 South Asians, many from the Greater Seattle area, according to the city council.
Some US-based activists say South Asians face caste-based discrimination in workplaces and educational institutions.
“This is a national problem,” said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, director of Equality Labs, a Dalit civil rights group in California. He said his organization surveyed hundreds of workers who said they experienced “caste slurs, bullying and harassment, sexual harassment, retaliation and firings in the workplace.”
The Hindu American Foundation opposed the Seattle move, saying it was against caste-based discrimination, but argued that the move would isolate their community.
