Professors sue to overturn anti-caste rules at Cal State

Two California State University professors sued claiming the college system’s anti-discrimination policy actually discriminates against Hindus and those from India.

The American Bazaar reports Professors Sunil Kumar and Praveen Sinha sued in federal court making the allegations.

The case backed by the Hindu American Federation seeks to overturn an earlier ruling in November by the district court dismissing the case. The professors allege the anti-discriminatory law infringes on their right to practice their religion.

“The record is clear:  ‘caste’ was added to CSU’s non-discrimination policy for no other plausible reason than to intentionally target Hindus and define Hinduism in a constitutionally impermissible manner,” said Samir Kalra, Hindu American Federation Managing Director. “This appeal is therefore necessary to protect the basic constitutional rights of not only professors Sunil Kumar and Praveen Sinha, but all Hindu faculty, staff, and students at CSU campuses throughout California.”

Both professors sent a joint emailed statement to The Print.

“We believe the appellate court will understand and apply the correct standards and find CSU’s policy unconstitutional or return the case to the district court for further proceedings. Enforcing existing law is what’s necessary to prevent discrimination.”