The Mount Shasta City Council unanimously approved Resolution CCR-25-26 affirming the city’s commitment to fair treatment and condemning caste-based discrimination.

The resolution was introduced after public comment and a staff briefing. Rachel (staff) moved to approve the resolution, which passed with all council members voting aye.

During public comment Myra Monarch, a Shasta County resident and longtime community organizer, described caste-based discrimination as a “silent” dynamic that can show up in health care, education and local housing access. “When migration happens… sometimes with the cultures come the not-so-pleasant aspects like caste-oppressed practices,” she said, urging the council to adopt explicit language.

Two visitors who had driven roughly five hours to attend the meeting — Jairam Khamata, who identified himself as a Nepali community leader, and Prem Padiar, who said he speaks for caste-affected citizens — thanked the council after the vote. “We are very grateful to city mayors, council members, city manager, and staff for hearing our voice and community concern,” Padiar said.

Context and authorities: Audrey speakers at the meeting referenced ongoing statewide activity. Myra Monarch noted that Senate Bill 403 is pending committee consideration to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination under state civil-rights law; speakers framed the city resolution as local affirmation and protection pending or complementing state action.

What council did: The council adopted Resolution CCR-25-26 by voice vote; no amendments or contrary votes were recorded.

What the resolution does not do: The council’s action is a local policy statement condemning caste-based discrimination; it does not by itself create a new local enforcement mechanism or change existing civil-rights statutes.

Next steps: Advocates and residents said they will continue outreach and follow state legislation SB 403 as it moves through committee. The council did not discuss specific enforcement steps during the meeting.