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Irvine mayor declares opposition to future caste-related legislation
Event celebrated Hindu Americans' contributions ahead of America's 250th anniversary.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 15, Jul 2026
- 05:48 EDT
- 19
Irvine Mayor Larry Agran speaks during the America250 celebration at Irvine Hindu Mandir on July 11. / University of California Irvine College of Medicine
Irvine Mayor Larry Agran said he would oppose any future legislation containing the word "caste" during an America250 celebration at the Irvine Hindu Mandir on July 11, according to organizers of the event.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Lieu reaffirmed the mayor's commitment following his remarks.
The event brought together elected officials, community leaders and residents to celebrate the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary while recognizing the contributions of Hindu Americans.
Also read: BAPS marks America's 250th milestone with nationwide celebrations
In his remarks, Agran reflected on the nation's founding ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all." Lieu spoke about building a country that "draws strength from its diversity" and ensures "every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive."
Speakers, including emcee Puja Someshwar, Irvine Hindu Mandir President Deepak Sharma and Mandir Director Suresh Lohiya, highlighted parallels between American civic values and Hindu principles such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("the world is one family"), seva (selfless service) and dharma (duty).
During the audience question-and-answer session, Geeta Sikand, senior national vice president for communications at Americans4Hindus, raised California's SB 403, describing the measure as a "Trojan horse" that stereotypes the Hindu community, according to organizers.
In response, Agran publicly pledged that he would not support future legislation containing the word "caste."
SB 403, introduced by state Sen. Aisha Wahab, sought to add caste as a protected category under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Education Code.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill on Oct. 7, 2023, calling it "unnecessary" and stating that California law already prohibits discrimination based on ancestry and other protected characteristics. In his veto message, Newsom said existing civil rights protections should be "liberally construed."
The bill was supported by organizations including the ACLU and opposed by groups such as the Hindu American Foundation, which argued that it unfairly singled out Hindus, according to prior reporting by CalMatters.
Seattle became the first U.S. jurisdiction to prohibit caste discrimination in February 2023, followed by Fresno, California, in September 2023, according to legal analysis published by Littler.
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