Overview
- U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra issued a preliminary injunction on August 24, 2026, barring FIU officials from enforcing the indoor-protest rule against seven students while the lawsuit moves forward.
- The case stems from a March 13 event where about 10 to 15 students wearing “ICE OFF FIU” shirts stood silently for a few minutes during a public program and then left without interrupting the event.
- Plaintiffs challenge FIU Rule 110(3), which broadly bans “protests, parades, marches, picketing, demonstrations, and other similar expressive activities” inside buildings and does not require a showing of material disruption.
- The injunction stays written reprimands and orders that the students record two-minute video reflections and blocks threatened holds on registration, transcripts, financial aid, or diplomas for the named plaintiffs.
- The suit is led by the ACLU of Florida and Community Justice Project, and the ruling could narrow how universities craft indoor speech rules and affect campus ties to ICE as the litigation and possible appeals continue.