NewsWLRN — South Florida NPR (Education)August 11, 2026Miami-Dade
ACLU sues Florida International University over student discipline for anti-ICE protest
The ACLU of Florida has filed a lawsuit against Florida International University (FIU) challenging the school's use of student conduct rules to discipline students who participated in a silent protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawsuit alleges that the university's actions effectively created a 'protest-free zone' that violates students' rights to debate and discussion on campus.
Read the full story at WLRN — South Florida NPR (Education)Why It Matters
The outcome of this lawsuit will determine the extent to which public universities in Florida can enforce student conduct policies to restrict or penalize political demonstrations on campus.
Key Facts
- The ACLU of Florida filed a lawsuit against Florida International University.
- The lawsuit challenges the university's disciplinary actions against students.
- The students were disciplined for participating in a silent protest against ICE.
- The ACLU alleges the university is using student conduct rules to create a 'protest-free zone'.
- The ACLU argues that public universities should be spaces for debate and disagreement.
Who's Mentioned
personMax Fondren“President of the ICEBreakers student group.”personNicholas Warren“Senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Florida.”organizationACLU of Florida“Legal group representing the students.”personAlex Rodriguez“Former MLB star present at the event.”personAndrew Caro“Plaintiff and student.”personMadeline Baró“FIU spokesperson.”personJeanette Nuñez“President of FIU.”personKatya Tripathi“Plaintiff and student.”organizationICE“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the subject of the student protest.”organizationFlorida International University“The university being sued.”