NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Diya TV) — Rutgers University announced existing policies protecting against discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, and national origin also address caste discrimination. This decision comes after an internal review prompted by discussions around how the university addresses caste-based discrimination within its academic and workplace environments.
The university’s Office of Employment Equity (OEE), which enforces compliance with its anti-discrimination policies, explained that caste discrimination can come under one or more protected categories under the current guidelines of the university. Rutgers officials pointed to their commitment to promoting equal opportunities and preventing harassment as outlined in their policy, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on a variety of protected classes.
After review, the university determined “that current university policy and protected class categories provide protections against caste discrimination,” Rutgers stated on its website. The university emphasized that caste, depending on the specific
circumstances, may be classified under race, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin.
The announcement fits into a broader national discussion about whether caste should be included in anti-discrimination policies, particularly in institutions with diverse student and employee populations. In recent years, several U.S. universities have taken steps to explicitly address caste discrimination.
Proponents for explicit caste protections feel that extra clarification is what allows the oppressed feel safer when complaining of any discrimination or harassment against them. Opponents say there is enough current anti-discrimination law in place to cover cases related to caste.
Rutgers’ move differs with California State University’s decision in 2022 to add caste as a specific protected category under its non-discrimination policy.
The school welcomes anyone suffering discrimination to seek an investigation process at the hands of the OEE.
