A shocking incident unfolded at the University of Colorado Boulder, where an Indian PhD student and his partner were awarded a staggering $200,000 after facing discrimination and retaliation. It all began with a simple palak paneer lunch, but this is where the story gets intriguing. But here's where it gets controversial...
In September 2023, Aditya Prakash, a PhD student, heated his palak paneer in a shared microwave, only to be confronted by a staff member who complained about the 'smell' of his food. This seemingly minor incident sparked a chain of events that led to a $200,000 settlement and a Master's degree for the couple, while they were barred from future enrollment or employment at the university. But why the sudden backlash?
Prakash and his partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, a fellow PhD candidate, claim they faced systemic racism and discrimination. After the incident, Prakash was summoned to meetings with senior faculty and accused of making staff feel unsafe, while Bhattacheryya lost her teaching assistant job without warning. The university's response was swift, but was it fair?
The couple's legal battle began in May 2025, when they filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the university, alleging discrimination and retaliation. They argued that the university's actions were a direct response to Prakash's concerns about discriminatory treatment. The lawsuit highlighted the university's failure to address the issue and the couple's subsequent harassment.
The settlement, reached in September 2025, provided financial compensation and academic recognition, but it also raised questions about the university's commitment to inclusivity. The couple's decision to start anew in India sends a powerful message, challenging the notion that 'food racism' can go unchecked. This story serves as a reminder that even in academic institutions, diversity and respect must be upheld.
