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Written Communications (Updated 07-19-2023)

Cupertino City Council
July 18, 2023

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Written Communications (Updated 07-19-2023)
Meeting
July 18, 2023
Body
Cupertino City Council
Original file
14.1 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on cupertino.legistar.com. That file is the official record.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Tanveer Ali
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:43:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Tanveer Ali
4944 Narvaez Ave
San Jose CA 95136
From: surendra sharma
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:43:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Subhash Chopra
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:43:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Anirban Kundu
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:43:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Balaram Donthi
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:43:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities� From: Shailendra Karody
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:42:40 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Deepti P
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:42:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Prasoon Surti
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:42:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Ajaz Khan
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:42:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!

From: Sharad Mohan
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:38:52 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Nabeel Rahman
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:38:03 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Regards,
Nabeel Rahman
From: Lakshmi Kunisetty
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:37:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Mitali Chaturvedi
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:37:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Satnam Singh
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:35:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Gayathri Kumar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:33:55 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: [email protected]
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:33:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely,
Meghana D
Sent from my iPhone
From: Puja Saraf
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:33:42 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Satpaul Surila
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; Kitty Moore; J.R. Fruen Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimnation Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:33:40 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing to you to strongly support SB 403 Bill.

City of Cupertino Council Members please support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha What (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste the bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal. In California caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits people formerly called “untouchable” by dominant castes includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

I moved here to be free of caste and live a normal life without any fear. However the caste has followed me here as well in the United States of America.

I know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But I want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association and Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must be addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Please support SB 403 bill to end caste discrimination in the United States of America. It’s a civil rights bill.

Regards,
Satpaul Surila
From: DEBASHISH BASAK
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:33:14 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: D B
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:32:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council Members,
I OPPOSE ALL KINDS OF DISCRIMINATION.

I oppose every discrimination made by Muslims, Christians, Jews, and even Hindus.

But SB-403 makes us believe that discrimination is committed by Hindus only! Under the false pretext of promoting religious freedom and tolerance, this Bill does the opposite by singling out the Hindu-American community. It propagates the false myth that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This narrative is untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Hence, I urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This Bill is promoted the same way Jews were targeted in Germany between 1941 and 1945, which ended up as Holocaust.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and social strata in the United States. Writing discrimination into California law, where none exists, reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this Bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California is known worldwide.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

Thank you for being so considerate.

God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Deb Biswas
926 September Dr.

Cupertino, CA 95014
Ph # 408-598-7545 (m)
From: Jagannath Venkatesha
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:31:40 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen - Jagan
From: Shivendra Vivrekar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:30:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Preeti Mathur
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:27:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Preeti Mathur
Email [email protected] (Newest)
Email [email protected] (Newest)
Email [email protected] (Newest)
Email
[email protected]
Email [email protected]

CELLULAR PHONE
1 7142990588
Sent from my iPhone
From: Muhammad Zaidi
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:27:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Muhammad Zaidi
664 Merlot Dr
Fremont CA
From: Venkata Maramreddy (Manish)
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:26:02 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor Wei, Vice-Mayor Mohan, Councilmember Chao, Councilmember Fruen, Councilmember Moore, City Manager Mrs. Wu, City Attorney Mr. Jensen and City Clerk Ms Squarcia I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Ibrar Afzal
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:25:37 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!

From: Veena Uttarwar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:25:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from Veena’s iPhone
From: rangapriya purohit
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:25:10 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Narasimha
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:24:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my
iPhone
From: Mohammad Swaleh
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:24:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States.

Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Mohammad Swaleh
5137 Maniago Way, Antioch, CA94531
From: Prabhakar Maramreddy
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:23:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned resident
--
Thanks&Regards
Prabhakar
Cell#8487023245
From: Lakshmi Chakra
To: City Council
Subject: Reject sb403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:22:56 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear council members ,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Lakshmi madhurao
9258560552
From: bul.singh
To: City Council
Subject: Support SB403 bill
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:22:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi,
I am Baljinder Singh from Newark city ,ca 94560. Also I fully support to SB403 bill ,which one introduced by senator Aisha wahab. I am supporter for this bill ,very strongly.

Thanks,
From: Nitin Juthani
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:20:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Twinki Mistry
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:20:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: S B
To: City Council; City Attorney"s Office; City Clerk
Cc: Muni Munisekaran Madhdhipatla; Vikram Saxena; [email protected]; Cupertino City Manager"s Office Subject: Thank you for 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13!
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:19:33 PM
Attachments: Cupertino Council Resolution Version 1 - Google Docs.pdf Cupertino City Council Resolution Version 2 - Google Docs.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and the City Council,
On behalf of about 70 residents of Cupertino, I had sent you an email requesting that you put SB403 on the agenda. Thank you very much for your consideration and also for adding it to the agenda for the city council’s consideration today, July 18th 2023. We appreciate your kindness and support in considering our case.

This bill came into existence based upon 3 events that Equality Labs and other sponsors of the bill used as justification for the the bill. An unscientific survey, a civil lawsuit against BAPS temple New Jersey and the Cisco lawsuit. All three have been proven to be false allegations.

Therefore we believe this bill is unnecessary. Some of us have put together sample resolutions, which are attached to this email. We encourage you to use either version as is, or further improve upon either of them to continue to support us Hindus (Sanatanis), who are a large part of the population of Cupertino.

Sincerely,
Sashi Begur and ~70 people that sent the letter earlier.

Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and the City Council,

The undersigned residents of Cupertino are very concerned about a new bill SB- 403 being rushed through the California legislature. This bill unfairly targets the Indian Americans & the Hindu community as presumptively guilty of caste discrimination.

We affirm that discrimination in any form is unacceptable, and must be addressed by the state. Existing California laws against discrimination list out the protected characteristics like race, national origin, ancestry, religion etc. They do not explicitly list specific groups, unlike SB-403 which has a focus on South Asians. Singling out a specific minority community is unfair and the bill is not facially neutral.

The recent Carnegie Endowment survey shows that a majority of Indian Americans are not caste conscious with that number being higher among American born Indian Americans. Our children learn about caste in schools; they do not have any idea what caste they need to identify with, and we have no way to prove or establish our caste. Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen expressed the same concern about how to even define or determine someone’s caste (Youtube) “I know a little about caste. What I've learned is if you ask five South Asians what caste is you get 15 different opinions about what it is. I know that there have certainly been discriminatory practices in societies all over the world since the beginning of time. As district attorney I'm focused on whether there is discrimination or hate crime or violence based on discrimination in my county and while there have been hate crimes committed in our County, I'm not aware of anything related to caste and hate crimes or criminal violations. And so I just wonder if the bill is necessary.

I'm also very concerned about anyone being stigmatized or any Community being assumed to be racist because they look a certain way or come from a certain place. And so one of the concerns I certainly would have about a bill that talks about caste discrimination is it strikes me as discriminating against Indian Americans and making them suspect in some way that others are not. “ Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County District Attorney

The now withdrawn lawsuit by the CRD against two Cisco Engineering leaders confirms that caste discrimination is already illegal under the existing California law. SB403 itself contains language which says that it should not be interpreted that caste based discrimination is not already covered. We do not require a new law which specifically targets the South Asian community, which will be affecting our future generations and subjecting them to caste scrutiny because of their descent.

We petition Cupertino City Council under the Cupertino Municipal Code

2.08.030 to study SB-403 and put it on the agenda ASAP to give us an opportunity to express our concerns. We also ask that the council pass a resolution condemning it on our behalf.

The matter is urgent as the SB-403 is being unfairly fast tracked to avoid public scrutiny. It already went through Senate Judicial review, Budget review and Senate vote in less than 2 months and is being rushed through the Assembly.

Cupertino City Council Resolution Version 2
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Cupertino Council Resolution Version 1
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From: S B
To: City Council; City Attorney"s Office; City Clerk
Cc: Muni Munisekaran Madhdhipatla; Vikram Saxena; [email protected]; Cupertino City Manager"s Office Subject: Thank you for 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13!
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:19:33 PM
Attachments: Cupertino Council Resolution Version 1 - Google Docs.pdf Cupertino City Council Resolution Version 2 - Google Docs.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and the City Council,
On behalf of about 70 residents of Cupertino, I had sent you an email requesting that you put SB403 on the agenda. Thank you very much for your consideration and also for adding it to the agenda for the city council’s consideration today, July 18th 2023. We appreciate your kindness and support in considering our case.

This bill came into existence based upon 3 events that Equality Labs and other sponsors of the bill used as justification for the the bill. An unscientific survey, a civil lawsuit against BAPS temple New Jersey and the Cisco lawsuit. All three have been proven to be false allegations.

Therefore we believe this bill is unnecessary. Some of us have put together sample resolutions, which are attached to this email. We encourage you to use either version as is, or further improve upon either of them to continue to support us Hindus (Sanatanis), who are a large part of the population of Cupertino.

Sincerely,
Sashi Begur and ~70 people that sent the letter earlier.

Dear Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan and the City Council,

The undersigned residents of Cupertino are very concerned about a new bill SB- 403 being rushed through the California legislature. This bill unfairly targets the Indian Americans & the Hindu community as presumptively guilty of caste discrimination.

We affirm that discrimination in any form is unacceptable, and must be addressed by the state. Existing California laws against discrimination list out the protected characteristics like race, national origin, ancestry, religion etc. They do not explicitly list specific groups, unlike SB-403 which has a focus on South Asians. Singling out a specific minority community is unfair and the bill is not facially neutral.

The recent Carnegie Endowment survey shows that a majority of Indian Americans are not caste conscious with that number being higher among American born Indian Americans. Our children learn about caste in schools; they do not have any idea what caste they need to identify with, and we have no way to prove or establish our caste. Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen expressed the same concern about how to even define or determine someone’s caste (Youtube) “I know a little about caste. What I've learned is if you ask five South Asians what caste is you get 15 different opinions about what it is. I know that there have certainly been discriminatory practices in societies all over the world since the beginning of time. As district attorney I'm focused on whether there is discrimination or hate crime or violence based on discrimination in my county and while there have been hate crimes committed in our County, I'm not aware of anything related to caste and hate crimes or criminal violations. And so I just wonder if the bill is necessary.

I'm also very concerned about anyone being stigmatized or any Community being assumed to be racist because they look a certain way or come from a certain place. And so one of the concerns I certainly would have about a bill that talks about caste discrimination is it strikes me as discriminating against Indian Americans and making them suspect in some way that others are not. “ Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County District Attorney

The now withdrawn lawsuit by the CRD against two Cisco Engineering leaders confirms that caste discrimination is already illegal under the existing California law. SB403 itself contains language which says that it should not be interpreted that caste based discrimination is not already covered. We do not require a new law which specifically targets the South Asian community, which will be affecting our future generations and subjecting them to caste scrutiny because of their descent.

We petition Cupertino City Council under the Cupertino Municipal Code

2.08.030 to study SB-403 and put it on the agenda ASAP to give us an opportunity to express our concerns. We also ask that the council pass a resolution condemning it on our behalf.

The matter is urgent as the SB-403 is being unfairly fast tracked to avoid public scrutiny. It already went through Senate Judicial review, Budget review and Senate vote in less than 2 months and is being rushed through the Assembly.

Cupertino City Council Resolution Version 2
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Cupertino Council Resolution Version 1
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From: Ajay Padwagga
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; J.R. Fruen; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to SUPPORT the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:18:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits--people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Ajay Padwagga
From: Nabeel Rahman
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:18:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Regards,
Nabeel Rahman
From: Sunny Lodha
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:18:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sunita Lodha
Iph Xs
Cell 510 299 1138
Em [email protected]
From: meeta upadhyay
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:18:02 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Meeta Upadhyay
19700 Alderbrook Way
Cupertino
408-759-2955
From: Anuta Udyawar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:17:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Chat ty
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:17:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Brajesh Choubisa
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:16:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Shashidhara Maheswarappa
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:15:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Shilpa Balaraj
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:15:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Poonam Hemrajani
To: City Council
Subject: Opposition to CA SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:14:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino Council Members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Poonam Hemrajani
From: Tarak Jaware
To: City Council
Subject: Oppose California Senate Bill 403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:13:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Tarak M. Jaware
From: Sunita Lodha
To: City Council
Cc: Sun Lodha
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:13:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sunita Lodha
Iph Xs
Cell 510 299 1138
Em [email protected]
From: Gmail
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:13:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Rizwan Khan
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:12:40 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
From: Art Khan
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:12:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Art Khan
From: Craigslist
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:12:27 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
GT
Sent from my iPhone
From: Lynba Holdings
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:11:14 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Victor Janna
From: Kaushal Varshney
To: City Council
Subject: Opposition to CA SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:11:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Cupertino City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. A high majority of Hindu couples in this area were not married through traditional arranged marriage, that itself has already broken caste. Therefore, writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire Hindu community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Kaushal Varshney
(with family of four voters in County of Santa Clara)
From: Premal Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:10:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely,
Premal Shah
From: Christopher Jensen
To: Lauren Sapudar
Subject: FW: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:08:38 PM
Christopher Jensen​
City Attorney
City Attorney's Office
[email protected]
(408)777-3105
From: vikas Jassal <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:03 PM
To: City Attorney's Office <[email protected]> Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Member,

Please support SB403, this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in the Senators house and already pass in the Judiciary of assembly members unanimously. No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vikas Jassal
Gen Sec ( Bhim international foundation USA)
From: Christopher Jensen
To: Lauren Sapudar
Subject: FW: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:08:07 PM
Christopher Jensen​
City Attorney
City Attorney's Office
[email protected]
(408)777-3105
-----Original Message-----
From: Vinny <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:57 PM
To: City Attorney's Office <[email protected]> Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Dashvinder Paul
Sent from my iPhone
From: Anil C
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:03:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Anil handraman
--
Anil Chandramani
[email protected]
+1.202.830.8398
From: barrymishra
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:02:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note9, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone From: Sana Qutubuddin
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 1:00:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
From: Kushal Lala
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:59:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Kushal Lala
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Usha Pidaparthy
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:58:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Mrunal Bujone
To: City Council
Subject: I oppose SB 403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:56:47 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

We believe in Equality for ALL, this bill violates our rights as Hindu and presumes guilt for certain categories. Definition of caste is not clear and subjective; will lead to profiling.

Regards,
Mrunal
From: farrah s
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:55:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members, I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal. By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination. As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many. Thank you! From: Manju Saran
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:53:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Srinivas Gowda
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:53:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: vikas Jassal
To: City Council
Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:52:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
Please support SB403, this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community.

That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously. No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vikas Jassal
Gen Sec ( Bhim international foundation USA)
From: Manisha Pathak
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:50:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Manisha Pathak
From: Vinny
To: City Council
Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:48:21 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits--people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Dashvinder Paul
Full Name
Sent from my iPhone
From: Christopher Jensen
To: Lauren Sapudar
Subject: FW: Supporting SN403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:48:12 PM
Christopher Jensen​
City Attorney
City Attorney's Office
[email protected]
(408)777-3105
-----Original Message-----
From: Chander Khaitaan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:41 PM
To: City Attorney's Office <[email protected]> Subject: Supporting SN403
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I want to support SB403 against discrimination on caste basis, caste is an evil and makes slaves to lower caste people . It must be stopped in America.

Thanks
chander Mohan
Newark ca 94560
From: Abdulla Mohammad
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:46:55 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Abdulla
From: Anand Akela
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:44:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent via iPhone.

From: Sreenivasa Dharmavaram
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:43:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Economy Suites
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:41:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Prem Sodhi
From: Mrugesh Desai
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:41:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Shree Nagnur
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:41:14 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
SN
From: Satyam Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:40:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Regards,
Satyam
From: Suresh Venkat
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:40:29 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Suresh Venkat (a very concerned citizen)
From: surila surila
To: City Council
Cc: Sheila Mohan; Hung Wei; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:40:17 PM
Importance: High
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing you to strongly support SB 403 Bill.

City of Cupertino Council Members please support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as protected Category.

This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha What (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste the bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

In California caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits people formerly called “untouchable” by dominant castes includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

I moved here to be free of caste and live a normal life without any fear. However the caste has followed me here as well in the United States of America.

I know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But I want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association and Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must be addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts please support SB 403 bill to end caste discrimination in the United States of America. It’s a civil rights bill.

Regards,
Kamaljeet Surila
From: Syed Salman Qadri
To: City Council
Subject: Vote YES to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:39:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Community of the Bay Area and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

As Muslims, we firmly believe that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and so such a form of discrimination is not acceptable. Additionally, the fascist ideology that promulgates caste discrimination, called "Hindutva", is the same ideology that discriminates against the millions of Muslims in India. It is important for the Council to take a firm stand against this discriminatory ideology by supporting this bill.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Thank you!
Syed Salman Qadri
2452 Diane Marie Way
Santa Clara, CA 95050
From: Chander Khaitaan
To: Kitty Moore
Subject: Supporting SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:38:47 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I want to support SB403 against discrimination on caste basis, caste is an evil and makes slaves to lower caste people . It must be stopped in America.

Thanks
chander Mohan
Newark ca 94560
From: Devi Kedila
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:37:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Devi
Sent from my iPhone
From: Vivek Aknurwar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:36:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Thanks
Vivek
From: Chander Khaitaan
To: Liang Chao
Subject: Supporting sb 403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:35:44 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I want to support SB403 against discrimination on caste basis, caste is an evil and makes slaves to lower caste people . It must be stopped in America.

Thanks
chander Mohan
Newark ca 94560
94560
From: J G
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:34:35 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my phone
From: [email protected]
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:34:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Chander Khaitaan
To: Sheila Mohan
Subject: Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:33:27 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I want to support SB403 against discrimination on caste basis, caste is an evil and makes slaves to lower caste people . It must be stopped in America.

Thanks
chander Mohan
Newark ca 94560
94560
From: Kiran Bala
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:32:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: chander khaitaan
To: City Council
Subject: Support sb403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:31:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I want to support SB403 against discrimination on caste basis, caste is an evil and makes slaves to lower caste people . It must be stopped in America.

Thanks
chander Mohan
Newark ca 94560
94560
Sent from my iPhone
From: Partha Sarathy
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:29:37 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Srihari Sridharan
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:28:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Indira
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:28:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: singh-sunita9
To: City Council
Subject: Vote to Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:25:38 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members Committee,

I am writing on behalf of my family and the California Coalition for Caste Equity. We request you to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Sunita Singh
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone

From: singh-sunita9
To: Kitty Moore
Subject: Vote to Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:24:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Member, Kitty Moore,
I am writing on behalf of my family and the California Coalition for Caste Equity. We request you to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Sunita Singh
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone

From: Suvarna Singh
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:24:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Suvarna
From: [email protected]
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:23:30 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Surjit Kumar
From: singh-sunita9
To: Liang Chao
Subject: Vote to Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:23:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members Liang Chao,
I am writing on behalf of my family and the California Coalition for Caste Equity. We request you to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Sunita Singh
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone

From: Ranga
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:22:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: shridhar parvatikar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:22:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: singh-sunita9
To: Sheila Mohan
Subject: Vote to Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:22:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Member, Vice Mayor, Sheila Mohan, I am writing on behalf of my family and the California Coalition for Caste Equity. We request you to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Sunita Singh
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone From: Geeta Sikand
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:22:08 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Geeta Sikand
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: [email protected]
To: City Council
Subject: NO on SB-403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:19:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear  Honorable Mayor Wei, Vice-Mayor Mohan, Councilmember Chao, Councilmember Fruen, Councilmember Moore, City Manager Mrs. Wu, City Attorney Mr. Jensen and City Clerk Ms Squarcia
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata.

Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Saraswathi Ananda
Cupertino, CA
From: mehul choube
To: City Council
Subject: No to California Senate Bill 403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:18:50 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Councilmember Chao,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mehul Choube
From: [email protected]
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:17:52 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Vinod Kumar
To: City Attorney"s Office
Subject: SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:17:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good Afternoon Sir,
Please support SB403 , this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously . No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vinod kumar
Chairman ( Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area)
5109539800
Sent from my iPhone
From: Suneeta Srikumar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:16:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Suneetha Srikumar
4084826665
Sent from my iPhone
From: Vinod Kumar
To: Kitty Moore
Subject: SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:16:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Moore,
Please support SB403 , this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously . No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vinod kumar
Chairman ( Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area)
5109539800
Sent from my iPhone
From: Narasimhan Kasturi
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:14:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Vinod Kumar
To: Liang Chao
Subject: Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:14:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Chao,
Please support SB403 , this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously . No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vinod kumar
Chairman ( Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area)
5109539800
Sent from my iPhone
From: Dilip Amin
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:14:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Dilip Amin, Ph. D.

From: Vinod Kumar
To: Sheila Mohan
Subject: Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:14:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Sheila,
Please support SB403 , this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously . No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vinod kumar
Chairman ( Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area)
5109539800
Sent from my iPhone
From: Kesavan Srikumar
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:13:55 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Thanks
Kesavan Srikumar “SRi”
+14084644714
From: harminder momi
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:13:55 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Harminder Momi
From: Thenmozhi Soundararajan
To: Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Matt Morley; City Attorney"s Office; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Council
Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:12:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds of South Asian, Asian, racial, gender, and labor organizations have all weighed in that Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must be addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste as a protected categorywould be those that discriminate and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
We urge you to do the right thing and vote to support or abstain from taking a position so that the state legislature can conduct its business.

Thank You,
Thenmozhi Soundararajan
Equality Labs
From: Dilip Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:12:35 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members, I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California. This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism. Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes. Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for. I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration. May God Bless America. Sincerely Yours, A concerned citizen
From: Chandru Bhambhra
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:11:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Chandru Bhambhra
From: HIE Delano
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:10:35 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Roger K.

From: Dharmesh Mandalia
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:09:41 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Dharmesh Mandalia
Sent from my iPhone
From: wasco inn
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:09:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Lali Rai
From: Jyoti Dhruv
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:08:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
From: Atul Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:08:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Satish Koosam
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:07:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: Lakshmi Srinivasan
To: City Council
Subject: Please oppose SB 403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:07:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

Why is an entire community being profiled as caste oppressors vs caste victims when there has not been one proven complaint of caste discrimination in the entire United States? I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

Lakshmi Srinivasan MD
Fremont, CA 94539
From: Panchasheela Akula
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:06:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: Deepak
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:06:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Deepak

From: Harsh Singh
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:05:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: S G
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:04:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Srinivas Gudlavalleti
From: Shashank D
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:04:04 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen

From: roger momi
To: City Council; Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 12:01:25 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over

1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits - people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes - includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in that caste is a crucial form of anti-Asian hate and must be addressed.

The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate, and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Rajinder Momi
From: Jagdish Patel
To: City Council; [email protected]
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:59:48 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members, I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California. This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism. Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes. Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for. I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration. May God Bless America. Sincerely Yours, A concerned citizen
From: Vinod Kumar
To: Hung Wei
Subject: Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:58:14 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good morning,
Please support SB403 , this bill is not against any body, any religion and any community. That’s why it’s already pass in Senators house and already pass in Judiciary of assembly members unanimously . No one should discriminated on base of caste. Please ask other council members to support this bill.

Thanks
Vinod kumar
Chairman ( Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area)
5109539800
Sent from my iPhone
From: Kumar Tripasuri
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:56:33 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Kumar Tripasuri
From: Ramendra Nandi
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:56:12 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Ramen Nandi
Sent from my iPhone
From: Rajendra Kasturi
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:55:53 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Akshaya S Puranik
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:54:31 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
Akshaya S Puranik
A concerned citizen
From: Dilip Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:53:46 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members, I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California. This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism. Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes. Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for. I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration. May God Bless America. Sincerely Yours, A concerned citizen
From: Dilip Shah
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:53:17 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members, I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California. This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism. Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes. Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for. I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration. May God Bless America. Sincerely Yours, A concerned citizen
From: Param Desai
To: City Clerk
Subject: Oppose SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:43:51 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
> 
Dear honorable Cupertino City Council,
>
> Thank you for adding SB403 to the city council meeting agenda for today. >
> I am writing to urge you to pass a resolution to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.
>
> This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. Caste in *only associated* with Hinduism in California middle school social science text books. The California middle school text books propagate a false narrative that caste is inherent to Hindu teaching and Indian society.
>
> Therefore, this bill serve to propagates the same harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This bill leads to an offensive mischaracterization of Hinduism. >
> Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. There is no data or cases of caste discrimination in United States. Codifying discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.
>
> Rather than bringing people together, this bill promotes dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinize a particular community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for. >
> I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration. >
> Sincerely,
> Param Desai
>
From: Shankar Venkataraman
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:42:42 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
From: singh-sunita9
To: Kitty Moore
Subject: Vote to Support SB403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:42:40 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council Member Kitty Moore,
Good morning,
I am writing on behalf of my family and the California Coalition for Caste Equity. We request for you to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Sunita Singh
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone From: Pranav Parikh
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:42:16 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: motn mi
To: Liang Chao
Subject: Re: Question about our origial planning permit --- tree related issues Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:42:03 AM
Attachments: image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Liang-Fang,
I wonder if you can help us a little bit on this matter.

Thank you so much!
-Lingyan
On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:29 PM motn mi <[email protected] > wrote:

Dear Liang-Fang,
I wonder if I can ask you some questions about tree related planning permits (it's about a development 50 years ago) since you are very nice and experienced!
The planning department staff told us the following map is the only approved Development/Landscape Plan of our HOA planning permit back in 1972. It was said all trees in this map are protected development trees.

After thoroughly reading this map, we don't find a key/legend or any plant details on this map.

How can we distinguish which markings are trees while others are bushes/shrubs/flowers on this map without a key or plant details? Are there any CA State or Cupertino City Codes that assert that all markings on a map without a key or plant details exclusively represent trees and not bushes/shrubs/flowers? Considering the density and size of some markings, is it possible that a few biggest markings may represent trees while other smaller and crowded ones are bushes/shrubs? Alternatively, this is simply an overview landscape plan for the inner common area between our residential houses.

Thank you so much for your kind help! 谢谢!
-Lingyan
From: Abdelhamead Ibrahim
To: City Council
Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:41:39 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Abdelhamead Ibrahim
From: AnuSarafDC
To: City Council
Subject: Reg:- 7/18/23 Agenda Item # 13 as we strongly oppose unconstitutional SB403 Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:40:56 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose California Senate Bill 403, which would unfairly target and discriminate against Hindu Americans in California.

This bill claims to promote religious freedom and tolerance, however it does the opposite by singling out the Hindu American community. It propagates the harmful and false narrative that caste discrimination is inherent in Hindu teachings. This is simply untrue and an offensive mischaracterisation of Hinduism.

Caste discrimination was outlawed in India over 70 years ago. Here in the United States, Hindu Americans come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social strata. Writing discrimination into California law where none exists reinforces false stereotypes.

Rather than bringing people together, this bill would promote dangerous stereotyping and unjustly scrutinise an entire community. It goes against the values of inclusion and religious freedom that California strives for.

I urge you to stand up against discrimination by opposing SB 403. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.

May God Bless America.

Sincerely Yours,
A concerned citizen
Sent from my iPhone
From: Padmaja Indukuri
To: City Clerk
Subject: Info on Caste Discrimination cases that were false Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:36:50 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council,
1) Please read how false the Cisco Caste Discrimination case is, that the 2 Indian Hindu defendants Sundar Iyer and Ramana Kompella are released from the Cisco case by CRD(California Civil Rights Department). You should know what kind of socio path the plaintiff can be to file this lawsuit, and how discriminatory the CRD is, please read this below link.
https://castegate.org
https://castegate.org/the-publicly-known-timeline-of-the-cisco-caste-discrimination- case/
2) Please read the BAPS caste discrimination case that was filed on innocent defendants to know how false that case was, how wrong and intimidating those lawyers were, below is the link.
https://twitter.com/CoHNAOfficial/status/1680290348348723200?s=20 Keeping these cases in mind, you should oppose the bill SB-403.

Thanks
Padmaja
510-418-0573
From: Anandi Somasundaram
To: City Attorney"s Office
Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:34:44 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Attorney Jensen,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity, and as someone who grew up in Cupertino, attended Monta Vista High, and served on the Cupertino Teen Commission for two years! We want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Association, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must be addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Council to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Anandi Somasundaram
From: M Mm
To: City Attorney"s Office; City Council; Hung Wei; [email protected]; [email protected]; Liang Chao; Sheila Mohan
Subject: Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:30:26 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Mush
From: Simar Singh
To: City Attorney"s Office
Subject: I’m spotting SB403 to end cast discrimination
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:27:22 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Sent from my iPhone
From: Tanveer Ali
To: Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; [email protected]; Kitty Moore; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Fwd: Subject: Vote to support the new state bill SB403 to End Caste Discrimination Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:07:00 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor, Council Members and City attorney
I am writing on behalf of the California Coalition for Caste Equity and we want to strongly endorse the City of Cupertino to support its most vulnerable citizens and add caste as a protected Category. This addition would make Cupertino one of the first cities in California to support the new bill SB403 introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which would end discrimination on the basis of caste. This bill aims to clarify existing California state law and make explicit that discrimination based on caste is illegal.

By way of background, caste is a system of social stratification where each position is characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social exclusion. It impacts over 1.9 billion people in South Asia and 5.7 million South Asian Americans. While caste discrimination is rampant in South Asia, it also exists here in the United States. Data from Equality Labs shows 1 in 4 caste-oppressed people have faced physical and verbal violence, 1 in 3 have faced education discrimination, and 2 out of 3 are impacted by workplace discrimination.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine. Caste discrimination against Dalits-- people formerly called "untouchables" by dominant castes--includes bullying, harassment, bias, wage theft, sexual harassment, housing discrimination, and even trafficking.

In Cupertino Caste oppressed communities have spoken out about the need for remedy and we urge the city council to support civil and labor rights by voting yes. We know that there are some who would oppose the addition of caste. But we want to assure you that the ACLU, San Francisco Lawyers Committee, South Asian Bar Association, and Asian American Bar Assocation, Asian Law Caucus, and hundreds have all weighed in the Caste is a crucial form of anti-asian hate and must bea addressed. The only people targeted by the addition of caste would be those that discriminate and we urge the Counil to not let fear and fragility stop the flow of civil rights progress
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you on this civil rights issue that affects so many.

Sincerely,
Tanveer Ali
From: J Shah
To: City Clerk
Subject: Request to Oppose CA Bill SB-403
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 10:59:29 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Clerk Ms Squarcia,
I am writing this letter to express my strong opposition to California Bill SB403 and to urge you to strongly oppose this Bill. As a concerned citizen and advocate for equality and justice, I believe that this bill will have several negative consequences and perpetuate prejudices against Hindu Americans in our society.

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the portrayal of the word "caste" in California history books. According to available evidence, the term "caste" is typically associated with the historical and cultural context of South Asia. Its inclusion in history books is primarily related to educating students about the social structure and traditions of that region. Citing examples from authoritative sources, such as [cite specific evidence], it becomes evident that the term "caste" is not intended to target or discriminate against any particular community, including Hindu Americans.

Furthermore, one of the significant concerns with SB403 is the presumption of guilt it imposes on Hindu Americans. By singling out Hindu Americans, the bill creates a presumption of guilt without any individual assessment or evidence of wrongdoing. This presumption goes against the fundamental principles of justice and fairness, as it unfairly tarnishes the reputation of an entire community based on preconceived notions.

Additionally, the negative impact of such legislation on children should not be underestimated. Children from Hindu American families, who may be unaware or unfamiliar with the concept of caste, will face undue stress and prejudice due to the bill's implementation. It is essential to provide a nurturing environment for our children to grow and thrive, free from the burden of assumptions and discrimination.

Moreover, the passage of SB403 will undoubtedly contribute to the perpetuation of prejudices in our society towards Hindu Americans. Instead of fostering unity and inclusivity, this bill will create division and animosity, undermining the principles of equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural background.

In light of the concerns outlined above, I urge you to reconsider and oppose California Bill SB403. It is crucial to promote legislation that unites communities, upholds the principles of justice, and encourages dialogue and understanding. Let us work towards building a society that embraces diversity and rejects discrimination in all its forms.

Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised and make a decision that is fair and just for all Californians.

Sincerely,
J Shah
CC 07-18-2023

#15

Legislative Process and Bill
Watch List

Written Communications
From: Peggy Griffin
To: Pamela Wu; Hung Wei; City Council
Cc: City Clerk
Subject: 2023–07-18 City Council Meeting Agenda Item #15 Bill Watch-SB423 Date: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:46:37 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

PLEASE INCLUDE THIS EMAIL AS PART OF THE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEM.

Dear Mayor Wei, City Manager Wu and City Council,
When 3 council members (Mohan, Chao and Moore) requested 2 upcoming state bills be on the agenda to be discussed in time to comment before the state votes on them, they voted for BOTH of them to be discussed openly.

I see that SB403 will be discussed during the regular 7-18-2023 meeting but SB423 has been relegated to a “Special Meeting” on a non-normal day at 5pm right before a Planning Commission meeting that starts at 6:45 pm.

SB403 is a Housing Bill that MANY people are interested in hearing and you have relegated it to a time and day that many people will not notice its discussion or be unable to attend due to work. Doing so, shows an implicit bias against open discussion and disclosure of this bill. It also shows preference towards this Weiner housing streamlining bill without having it even discussed in public! The discussion of these bills is important as was noted by 3 Council members desire to see them on a regular meeting agenda item. The City Council meetings have continually adjourned abruptly without the “Council and Staff Comments and Future Agenda Items” being even announced much less having people comment. So, it is even more critical that when an agenda item requested by a majority of Council gets put on an agenda, that it be treated fairly!
Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
CC 07-18-2023

#17

Streetlight Transition
Assessment Report

Written Communications
From: Shani Kleinhaus
To: City Council
Cc: Chad Mosley; Jo Anne Johnson; Connie Cunningham; Environmental Assistant; Susan Michael; City Clerk Subject: Item 17: Streetlight Transition Assessment Report Date: Monday, July 17, 2023 3:49:22 PM
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Dear Mayor Wei and council members,
The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society reviewed the pilot lighting installations and met with Cupertino's Public Works staff to discuss Streetlight Transition and the replacement of incandescent street lighting with LED fixtures of equivalent luminescence.

The change of lighting will save energy and reduce the color temperature of street lighting to 2700 Kelvin, which will result in better environmental and public health. The new fixtures are consistent with Cupertino's Dark Sky ordinance, and allow better controls of the lighting as needed.

We thank the City of Cupertino for the effort to move towards a healthier, better lighting environment. We look forward to continuing engaging with staff as the project moves forward, with special attention to ecologically sensitive areas.

Thank you,
Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.

Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.

Cupertino, CA 95014
650-868-2114
[email protected]

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