An Indian couple has received a $200,000 settlement from the University of Colorado, Boulder, following a civil rights lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya filed the lawsuit after experiencing what they described as "microaggressions and retaliatory actions" related to a microwave incident.
Incident Details
The dispute originated in September 2023 when Prakash, a PhD student, was reportedly told by a university staff member that his palak paneer lunch emitted a "pungent" odor while he was heating it in a campus microwave. The staff member allegedly stated a rule existed against heating strong-smelling foods, which Prakash claims was not documented. When Prakash inquired, he was informed that sandwiches were permissible, but curry was not.
Following this interaction, Prakash and Bhattacheryya, also a PhD student, alleged a series of retaliatory actions by the university. These actions included the loss of research funding, teaching roles, and their PhD advisors. In May 2025, they filed a lawsuit against the university, citing discriminatory treatment and a "pattern of escalating retaliation."
University Response and Settlement
In September 2025, the university settled the lawsuit. The university stated it could not comment on the specific circumstances due to privacy laws but affirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. It acknowledged taking the allegations seriously and adhering to established processes. The university denied any liability in the case as part of the settlement terms. The agreement included the university granting the students their degrees while banning them from future study or work at the institution.
Broader Context
Prakash stated that the lawsuit's primary purpose was to highlight that discriminating against individuals for their "Indianness" carries consequences. The case has initiated discussions in India regarding "food racism" in Western countries, with many individuals sharing similar experiences on social media. The article also notes that discrimination based on food habits occurs within India, particularly against those from disadvantaged castes or northeastern states, and against non-vegetarian food.