Jaahnavi Kandula to be awarded degree posthumously

Jaahnavi Kandula, a Telangana student who was killed in Seattle by a police cruiser earlier this year will be awarded her degree posthumously and present it to her family. This came amid outrage over a viral video on social media, in which a Seattle police union leader is recorded laughing and joking on a phone call about the demise of a young Indian woman.

 

 

According to a statement from the Northeastern University Chancellor's office, Kandula's colleagues would remember her for her "bubbly laugh" and "sense of humour." Her loss will be felt deeply by students, staff, and faculty "The university plans to award Jaahnavi her degree posthumously and present it to her family," the Chancellor said.

 

Kandula was hit by a police patrol vehicle in South Lake Union and succumbed to her injuries in January 2023. After an initial investigation, it was found that the police were travelling at an alarming speed of 75 mph (119 kmph) in a 25 mph (40 kmph) zone while she was using a crosswalk.

 

 

 

The university's Chancellor's office said, "We also recognise that our Indian student community, across all Northeastern campuses, has been especially impacted by this tragedy and its aftermath. We stand in solidarity with you and have every expectation that the ongoing investigations will bring a measure of justice and accountability."

 

Campus gatherings would be organised on all Northeastern campuses in support of Kandula, according to the Chancellor's office.

 

"When a group of us are experiencing anguish, we are all in pain. These are the times when we must draw strength from each other and move forward in unity. Next week, we will convene campus gatherings to allow our community to join together in harmony. Details will be provided soon by Northeastern Student Life and respective campus deans," the statement said.

 

Several US lawmakers, including Indian-origins Pramila Jayapal and Vivek Krishnamoorthi, strongly condemned the incident.

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