
CasteFiles Applauds Rutgers For Rejecting Caste As A Separate Category
India-West News Desk
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Rutgers University’s decision to reject caste as a separate protected category under its anti-discrimination policies, the advocacy group CasteFiles hailed as a “mature and well-thought-through decision.”
On January 13, Rutgers stated that its existing policies, which address discrimination based on race, religion, ancestry, and national origin, are sufficient to cover caste-related issues. “Caste is already covered under broader categories,” the university explained, affirming its commitment to inclusivity while rejecting the need for caste-specific provisions.
Richa Gautam, founder of CasteFiles, expressed strong support for the decision while cautioning against potential profiling. “The uphill battle against caste policy has been a lesson in achieving moral victories. We have always stood firmly against discrimination, but adding caste as a policy category amounts to profiling Indian American students—a move that is unacceptable in the USA. I am glad to see Rutgers University acknowledge this,” she said.
Gautam further urged the university to avoid using divisive terms in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) surveys. “Such surveys inherently profile individuals and can lead to discriminatory outcomes. We have successfully stopped similar caste surveys at other universities and will remain vigilant at Rutgers.”
Abhijit Bagal, legal director at CasteFiles, also voiced support for Rutgers’ stance while addressing criticisms. “In our legal notice and press interviews, we highlighted the critical issue of Prof. Audrey Truschke’s shifting and inconsistent definitions of caste. Unfortunately, instead of addressing our valid concerns, we have been unfairly labeled as a ‘far-right group.’ Let me clarify—CasteFiles is not a political entity. We are a policy think tank dedicated to challenging discriminatory and harmful policies, and we will continue to advocate for fairness and equity,” Bagal stated.
The decision follows the findings of a task force formed in collaboration with the Rutgers AAUP-AFT union to evaluate whether caste should be explicitly included in the university’s anti-discrimination policies.
CasteFiles praised the decision as a balanced approach that aligns with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.