South Florida University Investigates Racist GOP Official's Group Chat

The chat included violently racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic language involving students and conservative leaders.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A South Florida university has launched an investigation into a group chat started by an official with the Miami-Dade chapter of the Republican Party that included violently racist slurs, antisemitic comments, and misogynistic language. The chat involved students and several top conservative leaders at Florida International University, according to the Miami Herald. The university and the state GOP have condemned the conduct.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about extremism and intolerance within some conservative political circles, especially among younger activists. It also raises questions about the university's ability to foster an inclusive campus environment.

The details

The group chat was started by an unnamed official with the Miami-Dade chapter of the Republican Party. It included students and several top conservative leaders at Florida International University (FIU). The chat contained violently racist slurs, antisemitic comments, and misogynistic language, according to the Miami Herald's independent verification.

  • The university launched its investigation on March 6, 2026.

The players

Jeanette Nunez

The president of Florida International University, who condemned the conduct as contrary to the university's values.

Republican Party of Florida

The state GOP organization, which said it was undertaking an internal review of the situation and condemned the "repugnant comments" as contrary to what the party represents.

Sam Markstein

A spokesman for the Republican Jewish Coalition, who echoed the condemnation of the chat by Florida GOP officials and stated that antisemitism and bigotry have no place in the Republican Party.

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What they’re saying

“Antisemitism and bigotry have no place in the Republican Party.”

— Sam Markstein, Spokesman, Republican Jewish Coalition (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The university said the conduct of the students is being investigated by campus police in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing intolerance and extremism within some conservative political circles, particularly among younger activists. It also highlights the importance of universities taking strong stances against hate and discrimination to foster inclusive campus communities.