Indian Student Discrimination US Sparks $200,000 Settlement

An incident that began with a simple lunch break. It has turned into a landmark case highlighting alleged discrimination faced by international students in the United States. A situation arose that would change their lives forever. They were involved in a dispute that began with a lunch break on campus. A university staff member commented about the smell of their meal (palak paneer from India). The employee expressed concerns about the “pungent” smell. He requested we stop using the communal microwave. He had responded calmly and respectfully, telling them that he had only used the microwave for a short time to heat my food.

A Lunch Break That Changed Everything

At that moment, they did not realize how much their lives and his schooling would change after a very simple and short conflict over meals. He thought would be considered their right to eat whatever they wanted. However, they quickly learned that this simple disagreement would escalate to an enormous conflict. It would ensure the following two years of his academic career would be impacted.

Allegations of Discrimination and Retaliation

This incident received national attention. Now demonstrates a large-scale case of alleged systemic discrimination against International Students in the USA. As a result of our dispute, he was awarded $200,000 by the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as his partner. It was due to claims that they had been subjected to systemic racism and retaliatory actions due to their cultural background and experiences. After the recent ruling from a jury awarding both him and his partner, they feel vindicated for being discriminated against. It is because he and his partner are from India and of Indian descent, and for being Asian/Pacific Islanders.

He stated that his department denied both him and his spouse their Master’s degrees. The Master’s degree is commonly granted to PhD students during their pursuit of a doctorate.

According to Prakash, this is an example of “systemic racism”. This prompted them to pursue legal action. The case at hand has received significant media attention worldwide and has connected with many international students.

Urmi Bhattacheryya, a PhD student and Prakash’s spouse, indicated she too was discriminated against as a result of the incident. On the second day after the microwave incident, she asked Prakash to discuss his experiences within the context of her class. It deals with ethnocentrism. No individual’s names were mentioned during the presentation. But Bhattacheryya indicated she lost her Assistantship without being given a reason.

She also indicated that when she and her classmates brought Indian food to their campus, they were accused of instigating a riot. Bhattacheryya contended that the broader political climate at the time contributed to creating a climate of subtle, persistent racism. “While the message was not directly stated, it was clear from their behaviour – you have certain expectations when you arrive,” she said.

Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit and Settlement

In May of 2025, Prakash and Bhattacheryya filed civil rights lawsuits against CU-Boulder at the Federal level. He claimed discrimination and retaliation. In September of 2025, CU-Boulder agreed to settle for $200,000 and provide them both with Master’s Degrees. Also, forbid them from enrolling or working again for CU-Boulder. CU-Boulder did not take any responsibility as part of the settlement agreement.

At that time neither Bhattacheryya nor Prakash wanted to return to the United States. Citing their visa issues and psychological trauma.

Starting Over in India

Prakash has expressed his hope that this case will be an example to others of what he describes as “food racism.” “If we can stop such behaviour from being allowed to go unpunished, then that will be the best outcome from this matter,” he said.

CU-Boulder reiterated its commitment to creating an inclusive culture and stated that it adhered to established procedures when dealing with this issue according to trending news today.