Myths & Facts on Caste

The movement for caste equity, its leaders, and its allies are often met with fierce opposition and violence. However, our rapidly expanding international movement for caste equity remains rooted in its values of peace, love, and tolerance.

Legislation for Dalit civil rights has often received great pushback from those who fear the newfound freedom of historically oppressed communities.

In order to remain on our bright pathway toward human rights and liberation for our people, we choose to address the opposition’s concerns with truth and empathy. Check out our page “What is Caste?” to learn more about the pressing need to implement anti-caste discrimination bills:

Myths

Facts

FALSE

“Caste does not exist in the U.S.”

True

Equality Labs’ data shows that caste exists in the U.S. and it is an urgent problem. According to our Caste in the U.S. survey:

1 in 4 Dalit Americans have experienced verbal or physical assault because of their caste
1 in 3 Dalit students reported experiencing discrimination during the course of their education
2 out 3 Dalits reported experiencing caste discrimination in their workplace

FALSE

“Adding caste protections is Hindu-phobic”

True

Caste based discrimination occurs in many religions and regions of the world, it’s not Hindu-specific.

FALSE

“Caste is complicated, so it can’t be legislated.”

True

Something being “complicated” isn’t a good enough reason to deny people basic civil rights.

FALSE

“New laws are unnecessary. Caste discrimination is already protected.”

True

Given the grave discrimination faced by caste-oppressed people, we must make sure they see their rights explicitly stated in the law.

FALSE

“Adding caste as a protected category is unconstitutional because it racially profiles South Asians.”

True

All people who experience caste discrimination deserve protection. Caste oppression is not exclusive to South Asia and is found in South America, Asia, and Africa.