U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is urging Florida International University to rescind disciplinary action against seven students who participated in a silent campus protest over the university’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, arguing the punishment infringes on their constitutional right to free speech.
In a letter sent this week to FIU Interim President Jeanette Nuñez, the South Florida Democrat criticized the university’s decision to discipline students who silently displayed shirts reading “ICE OFF FIU” during a March campus event before peacefully leaving the venue.
Wasserman Schultz said the students’ actions were nonviolent and non-disruptive, making the university’s response inconsistent with First Amendment protections afforded at public universities.
“Public universities should encourage the free exchange of ideas, not punish students for peacefully expressing their views,” Wasserman Schultz wrote in the letter.
Students Received Disciplinary Sanctions
The controversy stems from a March event featuring Nuñez, during which seven students silently protested FIU’s growing cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Although university officials acknowledged the demonstration did not interrupt the program, FIU later found the students responsible for violating campus conduct policies.
According to reports, the sanctions included written reprimands and a requirement that the students complete educational assignments explaining university rules governing expressive activity.
Wasserman Schultz argued those disciplinary measures, including requiring students to produce written or video reflections, amounted to compelled speech and could discourage lawful political expression on campus.
First Amendment Debate Continues
The dispute has drawn national attention from free speech advocates and civil rights organizations.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonprofit organization that defends First Amendment rights on college campuses, has also criticized FIU’s actions, arguing that peaceful political expression at a public university enjoys broad constitutional protection.
University officials have defended their decision, saying FIU’s policies governing expressive activity are viewpoint-neutral and intended to preserve order during official university events.
The university has maintained that the disciplinary action was based on violations of campus procedures rather than the students’ political message.
Immigration Policies Remain a Flashpoint
The dispute comes as Florida universities continue implementing new state policies related to immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal agencies.
FIU’s relationship with ICE has become increasingly controversial in recent months, generating protests from students and criticism from immigrant advocacy organizations, while supporters argue the university is complying with state law and public safety requirements.
The latest intervention by Wasserman Schultz adds another high-profile political voice to an issue that continues to divide Florida’s higher education community.
As of Wednesday, FIU had not announced whether it would reconsider the disciplinary actions.
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Sources
Office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz — Statement calling on FIU to rescind disciplinary action against student protesters
Florida International University — Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
WLRN Public Media — Background reporting on FIU’s disciplinary action against students involved in the silent ICE protest
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