Wed Jan 14 09:07:40 UTC 2026: # University of Colorado Boulder Settles Discrimination Lawsuit with Indian PhD Students Over Food

The Story:
Two Indian PhD students, Aditya Prakash, 34, and Urmi Bhattacheryya, 35, at the University of Colorado Boulder, have won a $200,000 settlement after alleging systemic discrimination stemming from a kitchen incident in September 2023. The dispute began when Prakash heated palak paneer in a department microwave and a staff member complained about the smell. The situation escalated, leading to allegations of a hostile environment, the withholding of earned Master’s degrees, and Bhattacheryya’s termination from her teaching assistant position.

The couple filed a lawsuit against the university in the United States District Court for Colorado, arguing that the university’s reaction reflected a deeper bias against international students. In September 2025, the university settled, awarding them the monetary compensation and conferring their Master’s degrees, but barring them from future enrollment or employment at the institution.

Key Points:

  • The incident occurred on September 5, 2023, when Aditya Prakash was heating palak paneer in a microwave.
  • A staff member complained about the “smell” and told him not to use the microwave.
  • Urmi Bhattacheryya was fired from her teaching assistant position after supporting Prakash.
  • The university allegedly withheld their Master’s degrees.
  • The lawsuit alleged “systemic bias” against international students.
  • The settlement was reached in September 2025, awarding the couple $200,000 and their Master’s degrees.
  • The settlement bars Prakash and Bhattacheryya from future enrollment or employment at the university.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights potential cultural insensitivity and discrimination within academic institutions.
  • The settlement underscores the importance of addressing systemic bias and creating inclusive environments for international students.
  • Legal recourse can be an effective means for individuals to fight discrimination, although with potential long-term consequences (e.g., being barred from future employment/enrollment).
  • The incident and subsequent lawsuit may prompt universities to review their policies and training programs related to diversity and inclusion.
  • The viral post by Bhattacheryya demonstrates the power of social media in raising awareness about discrimination and seeking justice.

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