Seattle's new caste discrimination ban illuminates a complex civil rights discussion

When the Seattle City Council chose to ban caste discrimination in February, they delved into a complex civil rights issue, one that businesses and institutions across the country are increasingly grappling with, too.

“Caste” is now a protected category in the city of Seattle. That means that much like race, religion, and gender identity, it’s illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of caste. This could apply when someone rents out an apartment or hires someone for a job.

The system of social hierarchy has existed for thousands of years, primarily in South Asian countries. India’s constitution outlaws caste discrimination, but many members of the Dalit caste, historically the most marginalized group, still report unfair treatment.

Dalits in the United States have reported discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in social relationships.