A recent study by Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has revealed that some diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) workshops are focusing on Narratives of race and ethnicity have proven counterproductive. The study, Instructing Animosity, emphasizes how these workshops can promote “otherization” and deepen social divisions, intensifying participants’ racial perceptions and contributing to polarization.
Findings have inspired advocacy group caste files Urging a more balanced and inclusive discussion on identity to avoid divisive rhetoric. “We feel very satisfied and validated by the findings of the NCRI study. It reinforces our mission to promote mature and nuanced discussions on identity, free from divisive rhetoric.hostile attribution bias‘Identified by NCRI in these training sessions,” said Richa GautamFounder of Castfiles.
Abhijeet Bagal, legal director of Castfiles, criticized mainstream media for ignoring the NCRI study and amplifying one-sided narratives on DEI. He further accused outlets of suppressing evidence-based challenges to caste-centric narratives, such as dismissing a caste discrimination lawsuit against two Hindu American managers at Cisco.
“Even more troubling is the suppression of the NCRI study by mainstream outlets, which instead promote one-sided narratives on DEI,” he said.
The group also highlighted its whistleblower platform, CasteGate.org, which has questioned media management of high-profile cases. “Despite the dismissal, media outlets continued to present baseless allegations as facts, ignoring the evidence presented by investigative platforms like ours,” Gautam said.
Castfiles has taken legal action under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and filed complaints against universities that include race-focused training. And policies. A recent complaint against Rutgers University alleges that caste-related narratives have harmed Indian-American students rather than addressing discrimination.
Criticizing the academic approach, Bagel questioned the consistency of Rutgers chairperson Audrey Truschke’s positions on race. He said, “In his first paper, Truschke described caste as synonymous with Hinduism, but now describes it as a global social phenomenon. This inconsistency underscores the lack of accountability in such rhetoric.”
Castfiles has called for a comprehensive review of DEI Workshops To ensure they promote inclusion without perpetuating bias or regressive narratives.