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NewsWSVN 7 News 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 a silent protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on campus.

First AmendmentHigher EducationStudent RightsProtestImmigration
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Why It Matters

The court's decision temporarily protects students from university discipline for peaceful indoor protests while the underlying lawsuit regarding rights proceeds.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against Florida International University regarding its indoor protest policy.
  • The university is currently barred from enforcing its rule that prohibits indoor expressive activities while the lawsuit proceeds.
  • Seven students were previously charged with misconduct by the university for a silent protest held on March 13.
  • The protest involved students wearing shirts reading 'ICE off FIU' and standing with their backs to the stage during an indoor event.
  • The lawsuit alleges the university violated the students' First Amendment rights.
  • The court found that the university cannot prohibit peaceful student expression solely because it occurs indoors.
  • The legal case is ongoing and the university retains the right to appeal the judge's decision.
  • The ruling was issued shortly before the start of the new academic term.

Who's Mentioned

personJeanette M. Nuñez“FIU President mentioned in relation to the protest event.”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“Government agency that was the subject of the student protest.”organizationAmerican Civil Liberties Union“Legal organization representing the students.”organizationFlorida International University“The university being sued by students for its protest policies.”