This National Association of Women Judges discussion on caste discrimination, featuring leading scholars, advocates, and practitioners was held June 12, 2025. The panelists provide critical insights into recognizing, litigating, and adjudicating caste discrimination cases. The session highlights developments such as the Fresno Resolution and the ABA’s stance on caste equity, offering practical guidance for both attorneys and judges.

Caste discrimination, while long recognized internationally, is an emerging frontier for U.S. courts, attorneys, and advocates. This panel, hosted by the National Association of Women Judges, equips legal professionals with the knowledge to recognize caste discrimination, frame claims effectively, and evaluate these complex cases from the bench.

Panelists explore the foundations of caste as a social and legal category, share real-world examples of caste bias in the U.S., and discuss practical strategies for litigating and adjudicating these claims. The discussion also highlights key developments, including the landmark Fresno City Resolution and the American Bar Association’s resolution recognizing caste discrimination as a form of prohibited bias.

Through this session, attorneys will gain practical tools for identifying and addressing caste-based harms, and judges will deepen their understanding of how to weigh and evaluate evidence of caste discrimination under existing legal frameworks.

Learning Objectives:

• Educating attorneys on how to id caste discrimination and approach cases
• Educate judges on how to weigh and evaluate caste discrimination
• Discussion of recent developments (the landmark Fresno Resolution and the ABA resolution)