FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration
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A group of students at FIU filed a lawsuit over a recent peaceful protest. Photo: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A group of students is suing Florida International University administrators with the support of the ACLU and other civil rights groups, alleging the school violated their First Amendment rights.
Why it matters: The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the university and a handful of members of the student-led group ICEbreakers.
- It also underscores the growing tensions between federally protected speech and new rules on college campuses that limit expression.
Catch up quick: In April, university officials alleged that seven students violated conduct policies by silently standing up while wearing "ICE Out" shirts during a fireside chat involving university president Jeanette Nuñez.
- Despite acknowledging the students' actions didn't disrupt the event, officials sent each a letter alleging they violated campus policy that prohibits "protests, parades, marches, picketing, demonstrations and other similar expressive activities" inside university buildings.
- That same policy, however, defines "expressive activities" as protected by the First Amendment.
- In June, the students were found "responsible" for their actions and required to submit recorded "reflection" videos detailing how they violated university policy and how they will comply in the future.
- In July, their university appeals were denied.
The latest: The 13-page suit, which names five university officials including Nuñez as defendants, is requesting the judge declare that policy a First Amendment violation.
- It also asks the court to block the policy from being enforced while the case is pending.
What they're saying: This series of events is "part of a pattern of stifling dissent at FIU, in Florida and at universities across the country," said Miriam Haskell, senior attorney and director of litigation at Community Justice Project, who's among those representing the students.
- "This is a First Amendment and a free speech issue, but it can't be separated from the underlying issue of immigrant justice, and the call the students are making to disentangle themselves from immigration enforcement," she said.
The other side: Florida International University officials did not respond to Axios' request for comment on the lawsuit.
Between the lines: Last year, FIU voluntarily partnered with ICE's controversial 287(g) program, which empowers the campus police to enforce federal immigration laws.
What's next: The lawsuit seeks a jury trial.