Caste discrimination is an important and growing workplace issue, particularly in diverse states like California. Understanding what caste discrimination is, and how California law addresses it, can help employees and employers ensure workplaces remain fair and inclusive.

What Is Caste Discrimination?

Caste discrimination refers to treating someone unfairly based on their ancestral or social status within a traditional hierarchy. While often associated with South Asian communities, caste-based discrimination can affect individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.

In the workplace, caste discrimination can take many forms, including bias in hiring, promotion, assignments, compensation, or creating a hostile work environment through harassment or exclusion.

Is Caste Discrimination Protected Under California Law?

While caste is not explicitly named in California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employees are protected from discrimination based on ancestry, race, national origin, and ethnicity. Many instances of caste discrimination fall under these categories.

California has also seen legislative efforts specifically aimed at adding caste to its list of protected characteristics. Although recent bills faced political challenges, several California employers, especially in industries like technology, have proactively adopted caste protections in their workplace policies.

This means that even if caste is not separately listed, employees facing caste-based discrimination may still have legal protections under existing laws.

How Caste Discrimination Can Show Up at Work

Caste discrimination in California workplaces can appear in various ways:

• Hiring, Pay, Promotion Bias: Favoring individuals from certain caste backgrounds over others.
  
• Workplace Harassment: Making derogatory comments or jokes about someone’s caste.
  
• Social Exclusion: Isolating coworkers because of their perceived caste.
  
• Retaliation: Punishing an employee for raising concerns about caste bias.
  

Importantly, any of these behaviors could violate California’s employment laws if they are based on protected characteristics.

What Employees Should Do

If you experience caste discrimination at work, you have options:

• Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. DO NOT AUDIO RECORD ANYTHING.
  
• Report Internally: Follow your employer’s reporting procedures, typically through Human Resources.
  
• Seek Legal Advice: An employment attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action, whether through an internal resolution, a complaint to a government agency, or legal action.
  

Valerian Law Is Here to Help

Caste discrimination in California workplaces is a serious issue, and every employee deserves an environment free from bias and harassment. If you believe you are experiencing caste discrimination, consulting with an experienced employment attorney is an important first step toward protecting your rights.

At Valerian Law, we are dedicated to advocating for employees facing all forms of discrimination. Contact our experienced team today to learn how we can help.