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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 24, 2026Miami-Dade

Federal judge blocks FIU from enforcing indoor protest ban against students

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Florida International University from enforcing a policy that prohibits indoor expressive activities. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by students who were charged with misconduct after silently protesting the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on campus.

first amendmenthigher educationstudent rightsprotestcivil rights
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Why It Matters

The court's decision protects the right of students to engage in peaceful, non-disruptive protest indoors on campus while the underlying lawsuit regarding rights proceeds.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against FIU regarding its indoor protest policy.
  • The court ruled that FIU cannot prohibit peaceful student expression simply because it occurs indoors.
  • Seven students were previously charged with misconduct by FIU for violating the indoor protest policy.
  • The protest occurred on March 13 when students silently stood and walked out during an event.
  • The lawsuit alleges the university violated the students' First Amendment rights.
  • The preliminary injunction is temporary while the full lawsuit continues.
  • The university retains the right to appeal the judge's decision.
  • The ruling was issued just before the start of the new academic term.

Who's Mentioned

personJeanette M. Nuñez“FIU President mentioned in the context of the protest.”organizationICEbreakers FIU Coalition“Student group involved in the protest and lawsuit.”personNicholas Warren“Attorney with the ACLU of Florida representing the students.”personAndrew Caro“FIU student and plaintiff in the lawsuit.”organizationU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement“The agency whose presence on campus was the subject of the protest.”organizationAmerican Civil Liberties Union“Legal organization representing the students.”organizationFlorida International University“The university being sued by students for its protest policies.”