FIU Students from Black Greek Organizations Turn Backs on President Nuñez in Coordinated Protest Over Racist Chat Scandal

Tensions at Florida International University (FIU) remain high following a coordinated protest by student leaders from the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), who staged a silent demonstration against President Jeanette Nuñez’s response to a racist WhatsApp group chat scandal that has embroiled the campus this year.

The controversy stems from a private group chat involving student leaders and local political figures, which was first reported by Hy Lo News in March 2026. The leaked logs, totaling over 1,000 pages, contained violent racial slurs, antisemitic rhetoric, and homophobic remarks.

The fallout from the leak has already led to the resignation of Ian Valdes, former president of the FIU chapter of Turning Point USA, and sparked bipartisan calls for the resignation of Abel Alexander Carvajal, a law student and local GOP official implicated in the chat.

The demonstration took place during a university-sponsored “All Greek” photo event. According to student organizers, the NPHC was informed that President Nuñez would not be appearing in the official group photograph. Instead, the council was told she would address the organization via a separate video message to be filmed on-site.

According to footage sent to Hy-Lo News, when Nuñez attempted to film the segment, the gathered students took a synchronized stance and turned their backs to the camera. The refusal to participate was intended to deny the administration the presence and endorsement of the Black Greek-letter organizations until systemic accountability is met. During the encounter, a university staff member reportedly attempted to intervene, trying to direct the students to face the camera and proceed with the filming, but the students maintained their silent protest until the filming was abandoned.

“This was a peaceful demonstration making clear that the NPHC will not lend its presence to [university leadership until there is visible accountability],” an anonymous source shared with Hy Lo News. 

While President Nuñez announced that the Office of Student Conduct has initiated formal charges against several students and issued a trespass order against one non-student participant, the NPHC and allied student groups argue the administration’s pace has lacked the urgency required to address the campus climate.

The demonstration highlights the broader psychological and academic toll such incidents have on minority populations. Research indicates that exposure to racial microaggressions and hate speech on predominantly white campuses contributes to “minority stress,” which has been linked to lower academic performance, decreased sense of belonging, and increased risk of student withdrawal among students of color. 

A 2023 Gallup–Lumina Foundation study found that 21 percent of Black students reported experiencing frequent or occasional discrimination in higher education, with students at less diverse institutions significantly more likely to feel physically and psychologically unsafe. Additional Gallup research found that Black and Hispanic students are among those most likely to consider leaving their academic programs due to emotional stress and mental health concerns. 

University officials have not issued a specific statement regarding the protest at the photo event. Hy Lo News will continue to keep monitoring this story.

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