The Indian Couple Who Won a $200,000 Settlement Over ‘Food Racism’ at a US University
A recent legal victory has spotlighted issues of discrimination, particularly regarding culinary traditions, as an Indian couple secured a $200,000 settlement from a US university after facing racial discrimination. Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya’s ordeal highlights the impact of food racism on students abroad.
The Incident that Sparked the Lawsuit
– The controversy began when Aditya Prakash, a PhD student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, was heating his lunch of palak paneer—a beloved North Indian dish made from pureed spinach and paneer cheese—in a campus microwave.
– A staff member objected to the dish’s smell, labeling it pungent and referencing an alleged policy against microwaving foods with strong odors.
– When Prakash inquired about the specific foods considered pungent, he was told that while sandwiches were acceptable, traditional Indian dishes like curry were not.
Retaliation and Discrimination Claims
– Following the microwave incident, Prakash and Bhattacheryya experienced what they described as microaggressions and retaliatory actions from university staff, resulting in the loss of research funding, teaching positions, and PhD advisers.
– Out of frustration and a need for accountability, they filed a civil rights lawsuit in May 2025, alleging discriminatory treatment and a pattern of escalating retaliation.
Settlement Details and University Response
– In September 2025, the university and the couple reached a settlement, with the institution agreeing to award the students their degrees while denying any liability.
– The university expressed its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all community members, reiterating that they take allegations of discrimination seriously.
Raising Awareness about Food Racism
– The lawsuit has garnered significant media attention in India, sparking discourse on the prejudice many face regarding food in foreign countries. Many individuals have shared their own experiences of being mocked for their culinary choices.
– Bhattacheryya emphasized that discrimination based on food is prevalent not only in the US but also in India, where certain dietary preferences can lead to social ostracism.
A Broader Perspective on Culinary Prejudice
– Prakash reflected on his past in Italy, where he was often isolated during meals due to the smell of his food, noting, Acts like isolating me from my European classmates… shrink the spaces you can exist in.
– The couple argues that negative perceptions of ethnic dishes contribute to the marginalization of diverse communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Understanding
– Prakash and Bhattacheryya’s settlement represents more than just a financial victory; it symbolizes the importance of recognizing and addressing food racism.
– Their goal was to bring attention to the consequences of discriminating against cultural identities and to ensure that their experiences are acknowledged.
– As they reflect on their treatment and unresolved pain, Prakash concludes, No matter how good you are at what you do, the system is constantly telling you that because of your skin color or nationality, you can be sent back any time.
With this landmark case, the discussion around culinary discrimination continues, urging society to foster understanding and acceptance of diverse cultural practices.