A debate over Stanford University's mandatory meal plan has spread across social media, with users claiming that some students avoid campus dining due to fears that vegetarian food may come into contact with beef and meat during preparation.
The discussion began after an undergraduate's essay claimed that some students falsely identify as Jain to get an exemption from the university's compulsory meal plan, which costs $7,944 (around Rs 7.17 lakh) for the 2025-26 academic year.
However, many social media users pushed back against the claim, saying the issue is not misuse of religious identity but genuine concerns about food handling practices in campus kitchens.
Also Read | Students 'Pretend To Be Jain' To Skip Stanford's Rs 7 Lakh Meal Plans, Claims Student
According to several users, Indian students in particular are worried that vegetarian meals may be prepared using the same utensils, surfaces or cooking areas as beef and other meat. Beef is considered religiously forbidden by many Hindus, making even indirect contact unacceptable.
Users also pointed out that many Hindus follow strict dietary rules similar to kosher practices, which require vegetarian food to be cooked and served separately from meat. Some added that identifying as Jain is often used to signal strict vegetarian preferences, including the avoidance of onion and garlic.
The debate has also drawn attention to the cost of the meal plan, with users questioning why students are forced to pay high prices for food they feel is unsafe for their religious practices.
Several commenters criticised mandatory meal plans altogether, saying students should be free to choose where and what they eat.
The controversy has now extended beyond Stanford's campus, raising wider questions about religious sensitivity, food preparation standards and student choice at universities.
NDTV has reached out to Stanford University for comment, and a response is awaited.