Caste Bias Lawsuit Against Cisco Tests Rare Workplace Claim

John Doe, an Indian engineer at the Silicon Valley headquarters of Cisco Systems Inc., was different in the eyes of his fellow South Asian team members; he was the only member of the Dalit population, also known as the “Untouchables,” or the lowest caste in the hierarchical social system.

Because of their prejudice against his caste, he says he was paid less, given fewer opportunities, and endured inferior workplace conditions.

His case is a test for the U.S. legal system, giving a federal court the opportunity to decide if existing job protections ban caste discrimination.

The California Department of Fair ...