Sandhu v. Lockheed Missiles & Space Co.

Opinion

ELIA, J.

— The issue before this court is whether Dale Sandhu, an “East Indian” from Punjab, India, can sue under the Fair Employment and Housing Act for race-based employment discrimination. Lockheed argued successfully below that Sandhu was Caucasian and therefore could not bring suit on a race theory. We reject this narrow definition of race and hold that a cognizable claim for race discrimination may be brought on the basis of Sandhu’s allegations. Since we also conclude Sandhu’s failure to check the national origin box on his administrative charge form is an amendable defect, we…