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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 20, 2026Miami-Dade

FIU students sue university over disciplinary actions following ICE protest

Florida International University students are challenging university disciplinary actions in court, arguing that the school violated their First Amendment rights by punishing them for a silent protest against the university's cooperation with ICE. The ACLU of Florida is representing the students, seeking a court order to block the university from enforcing a policy that restricts indoor expressive activities.

First AmendmentStudent RightsImmigrationHigher EducationLitigation
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Why It Matters

The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether FIU can legally restrict student protests inside campus buildings and whether the seven students involved will face ongoing disciplinary consequences.

Key Facts

  • Seven FIU students were charged with misconduct for violating an indoor 'expressive activities' policy.
  • The students held a silent protest on March 13 by standing up and turning their backs to speakers during an assembly.
  • The protest was directed at the university's decision to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • The ACLU of Florida filed a lawsuit arguing the university's disciplinary actions violated the students' First Amendment rights.
  • The ACLU has requested a judge block FIU from enforcing the indoor expressive activities policy while the lawsuit proceeds.
  • A judicial decision on the request to block the policy is expected in the coming days.
  • Fall semester classes at FIU are scheduled to begin on Monday.

Who's Mentioned

personNicholas Warren“Attorney for the ACLU of Florida.”organizationACLU of Florida“Legal organization representing the students in the lawsuit.”personAndrew Caro“A student plaintiff in the lawsuit.”organizationImmigration and Customs Enforcement“The federal agency that is the subject of the student protest.”organizationFlorida International University“The university being sued by students for disciplinary actions.”