The US tech industry is home to thousands of Indian professionals who have moved to the country in search of better opportunities. Many of them occupy key roles in major tech firms, contributing to innovation and business growth. However, an issue that has recently come to the forefront is caste discrimination within the workplace.

While caste discrimination is legally banned in India, reports suggest that the centuries-old social hierarchy has found its way into American companies, leading to lawsuits and policy changes. This article explores the issue of caste discrimination in the US tech industry, the lawsuits that have emerged, and the broader implications for workplace equality.

What is Caste Discrimination?

Caste discrimination stems from the ancient Hindu social hierarchy, which historically categorized people into different groups based on their birth. The system, though officially abolished in India, still influences social interactions and workplace dynamics, even among the Indian diaspora.

In the tech industry, some Dalits (historically marginalized caste groups) have reported facing discrimination from colleagues and superiors of higher castes. This includes being denied promotions, facing workplace harassment, and being excluded from professional networks.

The issue gained widespread attention in the US when former employees started filing lawsuits against major tech firms, alleging caste-based discrimination.

The Cisco Lawsuit: A Landmark Case

One of the most high-profile caste discrimination cases in the US tech industry was filed in 2020 against Cisco Systems, a multinational technology conglomerate.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit was brought by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) on behalf of an engineer of Dalit origin. The engineer alleged that two higher-caste Indian supervisors at Cisco discriminated against him based on caste. The allegations included:

• Unequal treatment in terms of work opportunities and promotions.
• Harassment from colleagues due to his Dalit background.
• Retaliation when he complained about discrimination.

The case was significant because it was one of the first times a government body in the US formally recognized caste as a protected characteristic under workplace discrimination laws. While Cisco denied any wrongdoing, the lawsuit brought global attention to the issue.

Other Caste Discrimination Cases in the US

Following the Cisco case, several other caste discrimination complaints have surfaced. Some tech employees have come forward with similar allegations in other companies, leading to discussions on whether US anti-discrimination laws should explicitly include caste.

Google Employee Complaints

In 2022, a Dalit activist who was scheduled to speak about caste discrimination at Google alleged that higher-caste employees worked to cancel her talk. She later resigned, citing a hostile work environment.

Microsoft and Other Tech Giants

Reports suggest that employees from Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), and other major firms have also raised concerns about caste-based biases, though not all have resulted in legal action.

These cases indicate that caste discrimination is not isolated but may be a systemic issue within the tech industry, particularly in companies with large numbers of Indian-origin employees.

Why is Caste Discrimination a Problem in US Tech Companies?

Lack of Awareness

Unlike India, where caste discrimination is widely acknowledged, many American employers are unaware of caste-based biases. Most diversity and inclusion policies do not explicitly mention caste, making it harder for affected employees to seek protection.

Dominance of Higher-Caste Indians in Tech

Studies have shown that many Indian immigrants working in the tech industry belong to higher castes. This has led to concerns that hiring, promotion, and workplace culture may be subtly influenced by caste biases.

Difficulty in Proving Discrimination

Caste discrimination is often covert rather than overt. Employees may face microaggressions, exclusion from important projects, or be overlooked for promotions without clear evidence of bias. This makes it difficult to file legal complaints or prove discrimination.

How US Companies Are Responding

Adding Caste to Anti-Discrimination Policies

Some major tech firms have taken proactive steps to address caste discrimination. For example:

• Salesforce and IBM have added caste as a protected category in their anti-discrimination policies.
• Harvard University and California State University have recognized caste as a factor in workplace and academic discrimination cases.

Training and Awareness Programs

Some companies have introduced training programs to educate employees about caste discrimination and how to prevent it in the workplace.

Stronger Legal Protections

With the Cisco lawsuit setting a precedent, legal experts believe more lawsuits could follow. This could push policymakers to strengthen labor laws to include caste as a formally recognized category of discrimination.

The Debate: Should Caste Be Recognized Under US Law?

The increasing number of caste discrimination complaints has sparked debates in legal and corporate circles.

Arguments in Favor of Recognizing Caste Discrimination

• Protects Vulnerable Employees: Recognizing caste as a protected category can provide legal safeguards for Dalit workers.
• Encourages Workplace Diversity: Addressing caste bias ensures fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees.
• Aligns with Global Human Rights Standards: Many international organizations have called for action against caste-based discrimination.

Arguments Against Recognizing Caste Discrimination

• Difficult to Define: Some critics argue that caste identity is complex and may not be easily enforceable under US laws.
• Risk of Over-Regulation: Some companies fear that adding caste to anti-discrimination policies could lead to unnecessary legal complications.
• Lack of Awareness in the US: Since caste is not widely understood outside South Asian communities, some argue that broader educational efforts are needed before enacting laws.

Conclusion

Caste discrimination is an emerging issue in the US tech industry, and lawsuits like the Cisco case have highlighted the need for stronger workplace protections. As awareness grows, more companies are recognizing caste as a factor in diversity and inclusion efforts.

While there is still debate on how to address this issue legally, the increasing number of complaints suggests that caste bias is real and needs to be tackled through better policies, education, and legal reforms. The future of caste-related workplace policies in the US will depend on how lawmakers, companies, and employees respond to this ongoing challenge.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Workplace discrimination cases are complex, and individuals experiencing discrimination should seek guidance from legal professionals or relevant authorities.