Racial Discrimination Suit Nets $200,000 Settlement for Indian Students at US University
Two Indian students have secured a $200,000 settlement from the University of Colorado, Boulder, following allegations of racial discrimination stemming from an incident involving a microwave. The dispute highlights ongoing conversations about cultural intolerance and food preferences in academic environments.
Why It Matters
This case underscores the prevalence of microaggressions in educational settings, particularly regarding cultural identity and food customs. The situation has sparked widespread dialogue about “food racism,” urging institutions to re-evaluate policies that may inadvertently promote discriminatory practices.
Key Developments
- Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya faced harassment after Prakash heated his traditional Indian lunch, palak paneer, in a campus microwave.
- The university initially denied specifics about the incident due to privacy laws but acknowledged a commitment to inclusivity.
- After filing a lawsuit in 2025, a settlement was reached in September 2025, whereby the university provided financial compensation but denied liability.
- The students claimed that their academic careers suffered due to retaliatory actions from university staff.
Full Report
The saga began in September 2023 when Prakash, who is pursuing a PhD in Anthropology, was confronted by a staff member while using a microwave to warm his palak paneer. The staffer reportedly commented on the dish’s strong aroma and alluded to an unspecified rule about heating such foods. When pressed for clarity, Prakash received inconsistent information regarding what foods were deemed acceptable.
Following the incident, the couple alleged a pattern of retaliation, which they claimed led to a loss of research funding, teaching responsibilities, and support from their academic advisors. In May 2025, they filed a civil rights lawsuit against the university, citing discriminatory treatment and escalating backlash from university officials.
The university, while reaching a settlement, emphasized its commitment to an inclusive environment but did not admit any wrongdoing. They stated that they acted in accordance with their established processes to address such claims. As part of the agreement, the university will ensure the students receive their degrees but has barred them from future study or employment at the institution.
Prakash noted that their motivation for the lawsuit extended beyond financial remuneration. He aimed to highlight the need for accountability in addressing discrimination based on cultural identity. The couple expressed their disappointment over the lack of a meaningful apology from the university, stating that they had hoped for their experiences to be acknowledged in a constructive manner.
In a broader context, social media responses have illuminated a wider issue of food-related discrimination affecting various cultural communities, not just South Asians. Many individuals from diverse backgrounds have come forward with similar accounts of prejudice tied to their culinary habits.
Context & Previous Events
Prior to this case, Prakash experienced similar discrimination during his upbringing in Italy, where his schoolmates often ostracized him for the smell of his food. The couple’s experiences have catalyzed discussions on the implications of cultural intolerance in educational environments, suggesting a need for reforms in handling dietary diversity and inclusion.
