FIU Investigates Racist Student Chat, Turning Point USA Chapter Leader Resigns

University launches investigation into anti-Semitic and homophobic messages from conservative student group

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Florida International University is investigating a racist and anti-Semitic WhatsApp group chat allegedly involving members of the school's Turning Point USA chapter. The chat contained hundreds of uses of the N-word, as well as other slurs and Nazi references. The TPUSA chapter president has resigned, and the university says it has initiated charges against those involved for violating the school's non-discrimination policies.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage among the diverse student body at FIU, with many calling for swift consequences for those involved. It raises concerns about the presence of extremist ideologies on college campuses and the need for universities to address issues of racism and discrimination within student organizations.

The details

According to reports, the WhatsApp group chat contained hundreds of uses of the N-word, as well as anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs, as well as Nazi references. Several members of FIU's Turning Point USA chapter, a conservative student organization, were allegedly involved in the chat. The TPUSA chapter president, Ian Valdez, has since stepped down following the leak of the chat messages.

  • The racist and anti-Semitic WhatsApp group chat was discovered in early March 2026.

The players

Nate Justine

A junior at FIU who expressed disappointment and hurt over the racist messages.

Glendon Ingraham

A freshman at FIU who was surprised by the chat, given the university's diverse student body.

Ian Valdez

The former president of FIU's Turning Point USA chapter, who resigned following the leak of the group chat.

Jeannette Nunez

The president of Florida International University, who released a statement addressing the incident and the university's investigation.

William Bejerano

An individual not affiliated with FIU who was allegedly part of the racist group chat and has been trespassed from the campus.

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What they’re saying

“As a black person myself, honestly, it kind of hurts to see. You don't really expect people like that to still be around, especially this close to home.”

— Nate Justine, Junior, FIU (CBS News Miami)

“Being like an international school, where there's a lot of diversity, I mean, I feel that it was kind of out of the pocket for them like to create that, you know, like knowing that the school is based on a mostly diverse background.”

— Glendon Ingraham, Freshman, FIU (CBS News Miami)

“I think there should actually be an expulsion.”

— Mateo Smith, Junior, FIU (CBS News Miami)

“I really hope that FIU takes the steps necessary to handle this accordingly cause it's very deeply disturbing to me and a lot of the minority population at the school.”

— Charlyn Adam, Freshman, FIU (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

FIU President Jeannette Nunez says the university has initiated charges against those involved in the racist group chat based on violations of the school's non-discrimination policies and student conduct code. The investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for universities to address issues of racism and extremism within student organizations, especially at diverse campuses like FIU. The swift response and consequences from the university administration will be closely watched by the student body and broader community.