In a significant development, the US Department of Education (DOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has expanded its probe to include the UCSD (University of California, San Diego), the University of Washington, and Whitman College. Before these additions, OCR was already conducting discrimination investigations into various institutions, including UCLA and Stanford. The action is based on a complaint registered by Caste Files.
Caste Files expressed satisfaction that their official Civil Rights Complaint against racial discrimination at UCSD is progressing positively. Filed on August 14, 2023, the complaint highlights the racism embedded in the “Race, Caste, and Religion” (RCAR) Student Admissions Policy. According to the complaint, the policy aims to give preferential admission to “Dalit” and “Muslim” students, excluding those from “Non-Dalit” and “Non-Muslim” backgrounds. The policy’s definition of “caste” is linked to the Hindu Dharma, specifically the “Brahminical caste system.”
Caste Files also raised concerns with OCR about the University of California (UC) System and its campuses condoning terrorist attacks on Israel and glorifying Hamas, designated as a terror outfit by the US Department of State. They highlighted that UC campuses are misrepresenting Israel as “Zionist” and drawing parallels to Bharat’s “Hindutva,” accusing both countries of genocide in Palestine and Kashmir. OCR has acknowledged these submissions.
Abhijit Bagal of Caste Files asserted that the RCAR policy is unconstitutional and has grave implications for Bharatiya students. In a press conference, they expressed gratitude that OCR is investigating UCSD for its racist admission policy, slurring of vulnerable minorities, and efforts to mainstream terrorist acts on US campuses.
The OCR has the authority to investigate UCSD’s involvement in the RCAR program and determine if the discrimination extends to other activities. Remedial actions may include fines, administrative proceedings, and referrals to the Department of Justice for legal action. Caste Files has petitioned OCR to impose remedial relief for those affected by UCSD’s discriminatory criteria and to ensure compliance with the Constitution and federal civil rights laws in all ongoing and future programs.
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