NewsWLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)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 considering its next legal steps following the court's decision.
Read the full story at WLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)Why It Matters
This ruling impacts how public universities in Florida can enforce protest policies and defines the legal boundaries of student free speech on campus.
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 protest rule adopted by the university in 2024.
- FIU is currently weighing its next legal move following the court's decision.
Who's Mentioned
personCarlton Daley“Leader of Young Democratic Socialists of America at FIU”personKatya Tripath“One of the disciplined students”personAlex Rodriguez“Former Major League Baseball star and guest speaker”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 maintains a partnership with FIU.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”organizationFlorida International University“Public university in Miami-Dade”personAdam Saper“Attorney for the students”