March 24, 2026
City Council
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Councilmember Jamelia Brown (co-sponsor)
Councilmember Sue Wilson (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Establishing a Commitment to Caste Equity and the
Prevention of Caste-Based Discrimination
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Adoption of this resolution is expected to result in modest costs for staff training, development of reporting
mechanisms, and educational initiatives related to caste equity. These activities can be supported within the
approved fiscal year 2025-2026 diversity, equity, and
inclusion program budgets and do not require an
additional appropriation at this time. Any future costs beyond current capacity will be considered through the
annual budget development process (Account String:
01917090-400322).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond seeks to ensure that all residents are protected from discrimination and inequity. Caste-
based discrimination, though less visible in U.S. law and practice, has been documented within employment,
housing, education, and public services across
communities. This resolution formally establishes the
City’s commitment to caste equity and adds caste as a
protected category under the jurisdiction of the City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission, and
creates pathways for education, reporting, and
enforcement.
AGENDA
REPORT
March 24, 2026
On January 26, 2026 the Human Rights and Human
Relations Commission (HRHR Commission) unanimously
approved recommending that the City Council adopt the
caste discrimination resolution.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution that establishes a Commitment to
Caste Equity and the Prevention of Caste-Based
Discrimination and DIRECT the City Attorney’s Office to add caste as a protected category under Richmond
Municipal Code Chapter 3.58.060(a)(3) to be included
within the purview of the City’s Human Rights and
Human Relations Commission, and RETURN to City
Council for approval within 45 days - Councilmembers
Soheila Bana (510-672-3490)/Jamelia Brown (510-412-
2050)/ Sue Wilson (510-609-2111).
DISCUSSION:
Richmond has a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Discrimination in all forms undermines these values and harms individuals’ ability to fully participate in community life.
Caste, a system of social stratification based on hereditary status, creates barriers to equality by restricting access to opportunities and fostering prejudice. Studies and reports have shown that caste-based discrimination affects workplaces, schools, housing, and civic participation even in diaspora communities in the United States.
While federal and state civil rights frameworks protect against many forms of discrimination, caste has not been explicitly recognized in most policies. Richmond’s adoption of this resolution aligns with the City’s principles of equity and its role as a leader in advancing civil and human rights.
The resolution affirms the City’s commitment to caste equity through the following measures:
1. Affirmation of Caste Equity
The City of Richmond affirms its commitment to caste equity and condemns caste- based discrimination in any form within the community.
2. Protection Against Caste-based Discrimination
The City will amend Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 3.58.060(a)(3) to include caste discrimination among the list of prohibitions. Caste will be included as a protected category within the jurisdiction of the City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission, with the objective of protecting residents from caste-based
March 24, 2026
discrimination in City employment, housing, education, and access to public services.
3. Training and Education
The City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission will be empowered to conduct training programs for City employees, law enforcement, and community leaders to recognize, prevent, and address caste-based discrimination, and to promote educational initiatives to raise awareness among the general public about the harms of caste discrimination.
4. Reporting and Enforcement Mechanisms
Incidents of caste-based discrimination occurring within the City will be reported to the City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission. Residents will be encouraged to report any violations, and appropriate actions will be taken to address and resolve such complaints.
5. Community Engagement
The City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission will be empowered to engage with community organizations, advocacy groups, and affected communities within the City to collaborate on efforts to combat caste-based discrimination and promote equity and inclusion.
6. Review and Accountability
The City Council will regularly review the effectiveness of these measures and make necessary adjustments to ensure the ongoing commitment to caste equity is upheld.
This item also requests that the City Attorney’s Office amend Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 3.58.060(a)(3) to add caste as a protected category to be included within the purview of the City’s Human Rights and Human Relations Commission and return to Council for approval within 45 days.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution Establishing a Commitment to Caste Equity and the Prevention of Caste-Based Discrimination