NewsWLRN — South Florida NPR (Education)September 1, 2026Miami-Dade
Federal judge rules against FIU in student free speech lawsuit regarding silent protest
A federal judge ruled against Florida International University (FIU) after the school disciplined students for a silent, three-minute protest against the university's partnership with ICE. The university is currently deciding whether to appeal the court's decision.
Read the full story at WLRN — South Florida NPR (Education)Why It Matters
The ruling impacts how public universities in Florida can enforce protest policies and balance campus speech rights against institutional rules regarding partnerships with federal agencies.
Key Facts
- A federal judge ruled in favor of students who were disciplined by FIU for a silent protest.
- The protest involved students wearing t-shirts for three minutes to demonstrate against FIU's partnership with ICE.
- FIU staff confirmed the silent demonstration caused no disruption to campus activities.
- The disciplinary action was based on a rule adopted by the university in 2024 during a wave of pro-Palestinian campus protests.
- FIU is currently considering its next legal steps following the court's decision.
Who's Mentioned
personCarlton Daley“Member of Young Democratic Socialists of America at FIU”other287(g) agreement“Agreement allowing campus police to enforce immigration laws”personKatya Tripath“One of the disciplined students”personAlex Rodriguez“Former Major League Baseball star”personNatalia Giordano“Clinical Assistant Professor at FIU”organizationICEBreakers“Student group protesting the 287(g) agreement”personMichael J. Cal“FIU Police Officer”personJeanette Nuñez“President of Florida International University”organizationICE“The federal agency that is the subject of the student protest.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”otherCampus Free Speech Act“Florida law cited by the Board of Trustees”organizationFlorida International University“The university that disciplined students and is involved in the lawsuit.”personAdam Saper“Attorney for the students”