Florida university students ask court to block suspensions over racist, antisemitic group chat

Four Florida International University (FIU) students have requested a federal court to block their suspensions and other disciplinary actions stemming from racist and antisemitic messages shared in a private WhatsApp group chat. The students—Abel Carvajal, Dariel Gonzalez, Ethan Ratchkauskas, and Dante Mojena—filed a renewed motion for a preliminary injunction against FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez. This action follows Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga's ruling that the students possess "valid First Amendment claims," rejecting the university's attempt to dismiss these specific claims. The students argue that the messages, some characterized as humorous and hyperbolic, constitute constitutionally protected private speech, and they seek to return to classes while the lawsuit proceeds.