Summary
An Indian couple, Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya, won a $200,000 settlement from the University of Colorado, Boulder, after filing a lawsuit for racial discrimination. The couple claimed that mistreatment started from an incident involving heating Indian food in a campus microwave and led to losing their research funding and positions. The university denied any wrongdoing but settled to avoid a prolonged legal case.
Key Facts
- Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya are Indian students who sued the University of Colorado, Boulder, for racial discrimination.
- The issue began when a staff member objected to Prakash heating his palak paneer lunch in a campus microwave due to the smell.
- The couple alleged this led to ongoing harassment, including loss of research funding and teaching roles.
- The university mentioned privacy laws prevented specific comments but stated it aims for an inclusive environment.
- The lawsuit was filed in May 2025, and the settlement was reached in September 2025.
- The settlement amount was $200,000, but the university maintained there was no liability.
- The case has sparked broader discussions on "food racism," where people face discrimination based on their food choices.
