April 02, 2023

Canadian schools move to combat caste-based discrimination

topic:	Discrimination
located:	India, Canada
editor:	Karan Anand

On 8 March, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) passed the first-ever resolution in Canadian history on to recognise caste-based discrimination faced by Dalits living in Canada. The TDSB’s resolution came just weeks after the Seattle City Council in the United States passed a similar legislation, adding “caste” to its anti-discrimination laws. 

Dalits living in Toronto, and elsewhere in Canada, are celebrating this landmark decision as they believe that North America is slowly beginning to recognise and acknowledge the oppression they have faced for decades. “I am relieved that the pain of my people will finally be recognised in Toronto,” wrote Mr. Vijay Puli, Executive Director of the South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network (SADAN). 

The caste system is a centuries-old social construct which divides Hindus - who constitute 82 percent of India’s population of 1.3 billion - into four hierarchical categories. Outside this caste system are the Dalits, who are considered “untouchables.” Although labelling people as untouchable has now been criminalised in India, the caste system still dictates almost every aspect of Hindu religious and social life for. 

Over the last few decades, caste-based discrimination has become a global human rights issue and is part of the lived experience of thousands of Indians living in Canada. Caste oppression manifests itself in many forms, from casual jokes at parties, which equate Dalits with criminals, thieves and rapists, to outright discrimination in employment, housing and education.

Dalit rights activists believe that the TDSB’s recognition of their oppression is an important first step; however, it is still not enough. Much more awareness needs to be raised by public institutions to ensure a more inclusive and just society at all levels. 

Firstly, this recognition should pave the way for more similar legislative measures by other Canadian institutions, including universities and businesses.

As of 2022, more than 226,000 Indians are studying in higher education institutions across Canada. Educational institutions have a large moral responsibility towards society, and Canadian universities should lead the way by recognising caste-based discrimination and preventing its occurrence.

For instance, in November 2021, the academic staff association of Ottawa’s Carleton University passed a motion to include caste in its anti-discrimination policies. This should serve as an example for other universities to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. 

It is equally important to raise awareness on the caste-based oppression faced by thousands of Indians living in Canada. Most Canadians are unaware that this form of discrimination exists in their country, which limits their ability to combat it. However, this can be changed by organising regular awareness campaigns to educate citizens about caste discrimination and the different ways it manifests itself in the lived experiences of their fellow people.

Lastly, accountability needs to be enforced. Besides policy changes and awareness campaigns, it is necessary that perpetrators of caste-based discrimination - whether institutions or individuals - are held accountable for their actions. Serious repercussions should be implemented to discourage perpetrators of this type of discrimination.

The TDSB’s recognition is a historic and much required measure in Canada’s reckoning with caste-based discrimination. However, this is just a first step to ensuring that Indians of all backgrounds are respected as equals and that their daily experiences are free from discrimination of all kinds.

Image by Changbok Ko 

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