Suhag Shukla’s op-ed “Brown University Discriminates Against South Asians” (Dec. 22) is based on a mischaracterization of Brown’s antidiscrimination policy. Brown has added “caste oppression” to its nondiscrimination policy to underscore protections for members of the university community and call attention to a subtle, often misunderstood form of discrimination based on class. The policy has added an explicit reference to caste among other factors, including race, gender, sex, national origin and religion. The policy applies to every member of the Brown community. It does not and never has specified that any element applies specifically to any individual group.
Brown’s previous nondiscrimination policy would have protected people experiencing caste discrimination, but the university felt it was important to elevate this less-publicized form of discrimination and explicitly express a position on caste equity.