Indian PhD Students Win Settlement After Discrimination Incident
Two Indian PhD scholars, Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya, from the University of Colorado Boulder, have won a significant civil rights settlement of approximately ₹1.8 crore ($200,000) following allegations of discrimination. The incident arose in 2023 when Prakash was confronted by university staff while reheating his lunch, a bowl of palak paneer, in a campus microwave.
According to reports, Prakash maintained his composure while explaining, “It’s just food. I’m heating and leaving.” However, the situation escalated when Bhattacheryya intervened in support of Prakash. They both claimed subsequent retaliation from the university, accumulating in several meetings with senior faculty during which Prakash was allegedly accused of making the staff member feel unsafe.
Background of the Case
This landmark case came to the forefront as the couple highlighted issues surrounding the treatment of international students in academic environments. They asserted that the university’s strictly enforced policies fostered a hostile atmosphere. This case is particularly notable as it combines personal dignity with broader issues of systemic bias faced by international students.
Prakash and Bhattacheryya reported that their peaceful reheating of traditional Indian food led to a series of retaliatory actions that significantly impacted their academic careers, including Bhattacheryya’s unexplained dismissal from her teaching assistant position and the withholding of their master’s degrees, which they were typically entitled to receive on their way to earning PhDs.
Details of the Incident and Consequences
Reheating Food Incident
The confrontation occurred while Prakash was warming his palak paneer, a staple dish in Indian cuisine, in a common area microwave. This seemingly routine act of preparing a meal became a contentious issue, underscoring challenges that international students often face in foreign institutions. The couple contended that their situation unraveled swiftly following the interaction, turning their once-fruitful academic journey into a struggle against institutional bias.
Both scholars discovered their academic lives severely altered as a result of the incident. After initially onboarding successfully into the university environment—where Prakash had received grants and funding while Bhattacheryya’s research was well-received—their peaceful routine was disrupted completely.
Legal Action Initiated
The couple’s experience in the aftermath of the incident prompted them to take legal action against the University of Colorado Boulder, compelling the university to address broader institutional policies regarding diversity and inclusion. Their lawsuit, filed in a U.S. district court, asserted that the university’s response not only reflected discriminatory attitudes but also created a toxic educational environment that undermined their academic endeavors.
As per the lawsuit, the couple alleged that the discriminatory treatment they received was emblematic of the oppressive experiences faced by many international students who often navigate cultural differences and institutional biases. Their legal claim demanded both restitution for emotional suffering and corrective measures aimed at improving the university’s policies.
Settlement Due to Claims of Hostility
In September 2025, the university reached a settlement agreement with the students, involving a payment of $200,000 and a retroactive awarding of their master’s degrees. However, stipulations in the settlement bar both Prakash and Bhattacheryya from future enrollment or employment at the university, marking a bittersweet conclusion to an already tumultuous experience.
Prakash stated regarding the settlement: “This was never just about money; it was about recognizing our dignity and standing up against discrimination.” This sentiment encapsulates the importance of acknowledging these deeper issues affecting many students from diverse backgrounds.
The Broader Implications
Systemic Issues in Academic Institutions
This case has sparked discussions about the systemic biases that may exist within academic institutions, particularly in the United States, where numerous international students attend universities. Many have reported similar experiences where cultural misunderstandings lead to ostracism and mistreatment, raising questions about how universities can better support their diverse student populations.
Educational experts have noted that the actions taken against Prakash and Bhattacheryya highlight an urgent need for universities to review their administrative practices related to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity training. This incident provides an opportunity for institutions to reflect and reassess their strategies to create safe and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their background.
Public Support and Reaction
The students received considerable support from various communities advocating for international students’ rights. Advocacy groups emphasized the importance of creating a supportive framework that allows international students to thrive academically without facing bias or discrimination. Activists have argued that cases like this are essential in highlighting the treatments that frequently go unnoticed in broader discussions about university life.
The settlement and its implications have resonated with students across campuses, sparking debates about food culture, dignity, and mutual respect in academic spaces. There is a growing consensus that universities should foster a climate that values diversity as a significant contributor to innovative thinking and stable learning environments.
Concluding Thoughts
As Prakash and Bhattacheryya’s story comes to a close, it serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding cultural integration in educational settings. The couple’s journey illustrates not just a personal battle against institutional injustice, but a broader call for change in how universities approach cultural differences and student support.
Moving forward, both students have returned to India, carrying their experiences with them. Their settlement may pave the way for increasing awareness on how to construct healthier academic environments and foster a culture that champions inclusivity and respect.
As the academic community reflects on this case, the hope is that the lessons learned resonate with policy makers and educators, pushing for reforms that provide fair treatment and recognition to every student, regardless of their cultural background.