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Judge sides with students, says FIU likely violated First Amendment rights

The ruling is a win for free speech advocates.

Education

A group of students was granted a victory over the weekend when a federal judge ruled that Florida International University likely violated their First Amendment rights.Why it matters: The ruling is a win for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech advocates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/23/orwellian-flavor-fiu-disciplines-students-for-silent-protest" data-vars-content-id="93c28fce-128c-4491-bd1d-70ef6d0e08f7" data-vars-headline="Judge sides with students, says FIU likely violated First Amendment rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/23/orwellian-flavor-fiu-disciplines-students-for-silent-protest" target="_self">free speech advocates</a> and could set a precedent for future cases, as colleges across the country have implemented new rules aiming to limit expression.

Here's who advanced in key Miami-Dade elections 

Voters also selected their parties' nominees for statewide and federal offices.

Politics

Miami-Dade voters elected new local leaders and chose their party&#x27;s nominees for the November election.State of play: From the Miami Marine Stadium referendum to the race for governor, here&#x27;s where some of the region&#x27;s biggest races stand, according to preliminary results from Tuesday night.

Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities

The city's numbers mirror national trends

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="6ba6b242-c44d-4e4e-a24a-6034c90c1739" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> kept falling across many of the nation&#x27;s largest cities through June — including Miami, where homicides fell by 50% from the first half of 2025, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios. Why it matters: The decline now spans two presidencies — it began falling under President Biden after the pandemic-era surge, and has kept dropping under President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="6ba6b242-c44d-4e4e-a24a-6034c90c1739" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a>.<ul><li>Trump came into office casting America as being overrun by crime at a time when the numbers were already declining dramatically.</li></ul>

South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers

About 93,000 Haitian TPS holders were part of Florida's workforce as of January, according to one analysis.

South Florida&#x27;s economy is feeling the loss of Haitian employees whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Temporary Protected Status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/24/florida-miami-tps-haiti" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/24/florida-miami-tps-haiti" target="_self">Temporary Protected Status</a> ended in late July.The big picture: The Trump administration&#x27;s decision to end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TPS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status" target="_blank">TPS</a> will hurt Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/floridas-nursing-homes-are-bracing-for-life-without-haitian-tps-workers/" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/floridas-nursing-homes-are-bracing-for-life-without-haitian-tps-workers/" target="_blank">health care</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hospitality and tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://frla.org/news-release/press-release-florida-hospitality-industry-urges-federal-action-to-support-employers-following-tps-decision/" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://frla.org/news-release/press-release-florida-hospitality-industry-urges-federal-action-to-support-employers-following-tps-decision/" target="_blank">hospitality and tourism</a> industries, advocates and business leaders have said.<ul><li>TPS had protected Haitians and provided them work authorization since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2010" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/general-news-b5b989398d08474ab3387249e03bc6be" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b5b989398d08474ab3387249e03bc6be" target="_blank">2010</a>.</li></ul>

Why many Miami-Dade students are no longer eligible for free meals

About 120 schools remain eligible for the federal program.

As Miami-Dade students head back to school Thursday, many families will be faced with the school board&#x27;s decision to end universal free lunches across the district. Why it matters: Offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free meals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/27/floridas-school-districts-meals-lunches" data-vars-content-id="ca326462-3e0f-43db-98ec-5c67214ac9c9" data-vars-headline="Why many Miami-Dade students are no longer eligible for free meals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/27/floridas-school-districts-meals-lunches" target="_self">free meals</a> to students during school reduces childhood food insecurity, supports household food security, and creates a positive learning environment, research shows.

FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration

The dispute has been ongoing since the spring.

A group of students is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="suing" data-vars-click-url="https://live-awp-florida.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2026/08/ICEBreakers-v-Nunez-Complaint.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9eb26587-49d5-430a-9e9f-bcd19d2ae90e" data-vars-headline="FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://live-awp-florida.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2026/08/ICEBreakers-v-Nunez-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">suing</a> Florida International University administrators with the support of the ACLU and other civil rights groups, alleging the school violated their First Amendment rights.

These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board

Two seats are up for grabs to represent public schools in Districts 1 and 8.

A crowded field is vying to represent public schools in Miami-Dade&#x27;s District 1, which includes Miami Gardens and surrounding areas. <ul><li>Three other seats — Districts 2, 4 and 6 — were also up for reelection, but unopposed candidates won their seats by default.</li><li>In District 8, incumbent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monica Colucci" data-vars-click-url="https://www.monicacolucci.com/" data-vars-content-id="17f7a88e-8139-4b22-80e4-0b571c8821c6" data-vars-headline="These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.monicacolucci.com/" target="_blank">Monica Colucci</a> will face write-in candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sam Joseph" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LrdeQ43IM" data-vars-content-id="17f7a88e-8139-4b22-80e4-0b571c8821c6" data-vars-headline="These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LrdeQ43IM" target="_blank">Sam Joseph</a>, a political newcomer.</li></ul>

"Orwellian flavor": FIU disciplines students for silent protest

Students argue it undermines their protected speech.

Florida International University is doubling down on its decision to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="discipline a group of students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/22/fiu-students-charged-violating-conduct-policies-ice-agreement-desantis" data-vars-content-id="fa5348e0-bdfb-4ec0-b20c-7b0f80dc37dc" data-vars-headline="&quot;Orwellian flavor&quot;: FIU disciplines students for silent protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/22/fiu-students-charged-violating-conduct-policies-ice-agreement-desantis" target="_self">discipline a group of students</a> for participating in a silent protest earlier this year.Why it matters: The ruling, free speech advocates say, goes against the university&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own values" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fiu.edu/about/mission-and-vision/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fa5348e0-bdfb-4ec0-b20c-7b0f80dc37dc" data-vars-headline="&quot;Orwellian flavor&quot;: FIU disciplines students for silent protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fiu.edu/about/mission-and-vision/index.html" target="_blank">own values</a>, which call for upholding freedom of thought and expression.<ul><li>Critics say it also undermines federally protected speech and could set a new precedent for campuses across the country regarding student-led demonstrations.</li></ul>

9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year

The move comes amid the state's growing private and charter school sector.

Nine Miami-Dade County public schools will close ahead of the upcoming academic year, which officials have said is the result of continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="eea88757-ae3a-4bac-8981-b88eab64d1a4" data-vars-headline="9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" target="_self">declining enrollment</a>.Why it matters: The closures — unanimously approved this month by the School Board — are the latest example of the challenges traditional public school districts face due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s expanded voucher system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="eea88757-ae3a-4bac-8981-b88eab64d1a4" data-vars-headline="9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">state&#x27;s expanded voucher system</a> and the growth of private alternatives.

Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration

The university says students violated conduct policies during the peaceful demonstration.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida International University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" target="_self">Florida International University</a> is alleging seven students violated conduct policies for participating in a peaceful demonstration — a move the students and their advisor argue is unfounded and creates a chilling effect.Why it matters: The charges highlight potential conflict between FIU&#x27;s policies and First Amendment protections for students <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="established decades ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" target="_blank">established decades ago</a> by the Supreme Court.

Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline

The school board will have to finalize the proposal in June.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools could close up to nine schools ahead of the upcoming school year.Why it matters: The sharp increase in the number of schools the district is considering underscores its stark <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/25/miami-public-schools-lose-12000-students-enrollment-down" data-vars-content-id="b441c091-de29-4449-a49d-ab7611af5248" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/25/miami-public-schools-lose-12000-students-enrollment-down" target="_self">enrollment</a> and budget shortfalls.<ul><li>Last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the district proposed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/12/miami-schools-declining-enrollment-building-changes" data-vars-content-id="b441c091-de29-4449-a49d-ab7611af5248" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade Schools weigh nine school closures amid enrollment decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/12/miami-schools-declining-enrollment-building-changes" target="_self">the district proposed</a> boundary changes to 11 schools and repurposed just two.</li></ul>

Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator

An agreement allows for charter schools to begin operation in August 2027.

Five Miami-Dade County public high schools will soon have to share building space with a private charter school operator backed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billionaire Ken Griffin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/ken-griffin-miami-tallest-building" data-vars-content-id="776d5bd8-083f-4ce0-87a7-d2fa90c7199d" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/11/18/ken-griffin-miami-tallest-building" target="_self">billionaire Ken Griffin</a>.Why it matters: The unprecedented agreement is the sharpest signal yet of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="effort to expand private and charter schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="776d5bd8-083f-4ce0-87a7-d2fa90c7199d" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade to share district schools with charter operator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">effort to expand private and charter schools</a>, which public education advocates argue undermines traditional public schools.

Miami-Dade School Board sets superintendent search criteria

Superintendent Jose Dotres will step down in February.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami-Dade County School Board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/04/14/miami-dade-schools-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="0951c7c8-a186-4443-babc-58e6df08b0da" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade School Board sets superintendent search criteria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/04/14/miami-dade-schools-budget-cuts" target="_self">Miami-Dade County School Board</a> is expected to vote Wednesday on a plan for selecting its next superintendent.Why it matters: The 10-step plan to replace outgoing superintendent Jose Dotres resulted from a six-hour discussion last week that revealed divisions among the board over issues of finances, transparency and timelines.

Education 📚

Judge sides with students, says FIU likely violated First Amendment rights

Why many Miami-Dade students are no longer eligible for free meals

FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration

These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board

"Orwellian flavor": FIU disciplines students for silent protest