FIU Students Speak Out on Leaked Racist, Antisemitic Group Chats

Leaked messages from FIU College Republicans and Turning Point USA members spark national outrage and university investigation.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After hundreds of antisemitic and racist messages were leaked from private group chats involving leadership figures of the Miami-Dade Republican Party, FIU College Republicans, and Turning Point USA's FIU Chapter, affected students have spoken out. The leaked messages included calls for violence against African-Americans and Jews. Several more messages have been provided to the student newspaper PantherNOW, which has also interviewed key individuals involved.

Why it matters

The leaked messages have sparked national outrage and prompted investigations by FIU's administration, police department, and civil rights office. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about extremism and discrimination on college campuses, as well as the need for student organizations to address and condemn such behavior from their members.

The details

The group chats, titled "Uber Retards Yapping Inc." and the official FIU College Republicans chat, included numerous racist and antisemitic messages from figures like Dariel Gonzales, the former Membership Director of FIU College Republicans, and Ian Valdes, the President of FIU's Turning Point USA chapter. The chats were created by Abel Alexander Carvajal, the Secretary of the Miami-Dade GOP and an FIU law student. Carvajal has since resigned from his position. Affected student Zuriel Preux said she "took a break" from the organizations after previous instances of concern. FIU's administration and police department are actively investigating the matter.

  • In October 2025, Preux reported instances of concern to FIU.
  • On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, news reports about the leaked group chats were published.
  • On Thursday, March 6, 2026, FIU President Jeanette Nuñez addressed the situation in an email to students and faculty.

The players

Zuriel Preux

An FIU student who was directly affected by the incidents and has reported previous concerns to the university.

Dariel Gonzales

The former Membership Director of FIU College Republicans who posted racist and antisemitic messages in the leaked group chats.

Ian Valdes

The President of FIU's Turning Point USA chapter who posted racist and antisemitic messages in the leaked group chats.

Abel Alexander Carvajal

The Secretary of the Miami-Dade GOP and an FIU law student who created the "Uber Retards Yapping Inc." group chat where the offensive messages were posted.

Gabriela Burstein

The President of FIU College Republicans who has publicly condemned the actions of the individuals involved.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The one thing I want to say on record is that College Republicans have always, like, called out this behavior.”

— Zuriel Preux, FIU Student (PantherNOW)

“We have both now publicly condemned the actions of the individuals that have taken a part in this and there is absolutely no room for this behavior, not in the Conservative Party or at FIU.”

— Gabriela Burstein, President, FIU College Republicans (PantherNOW)

“It's wrong. Racism is expressions of hatred over how someone looks. I acknowledged what happened and that it's wrong.”

— Abel Alexander Carvajal, Secretary, Miami-Dade GOP (PantherNOW)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Abel Alexander Carvajal out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for student organizations to swiftly condemn and address any instances of racism, antisemitism, or other forms of discrimination from their members. FIU must also thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure appropriate disciplinary actions are taken to uphold its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.