Florida International University, a public research institution in Miami, held a board meeting that resulted in formalizing its cooperation with ICE. This decision, part of a broader trend among Florida state universities, prompted student protests and raised concerns about academic freedom and the support of authoritarian immigration enforcement policies.

The OpenSecrets profile reveals that Florida International University contributed $185,102 in the 2024 political cycle and that 50% of its lobbyists have previous government experience, indicating a revolving door dynamic that raises concerns about undue political influence.

Florida International University Business hosted an outreach meeting with the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, in collaboration with federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security, to educate South Florida’s export community about preventing the transfer of sensitive technology to authoritarian regimes and hostile nations.

Florida International University has ended its Chinese academic partnerships and rescinded job offers from candidates hailing from designated 'countries of concern' following the implementation of a state law aimed at limiting Chinese influence in higher education. This move has raised concerns over reduced academic freedom and discriminatory impacts on marginalized international communities.

Florida International University terminated several longstanding Chinese university partnerships, including a dual-degree hospitality program, to comply with a Florida state law that restricts relationships with 'countries of concern'. The decision, driven by political pressure from state regulators, undermines academic freedom and global collaboration.

Florida International University spent $458,900 on lobbying activities during the 2023 fiscal cycle, as detailed in the OpenSecrets lobbying profile. As a public research university, its lobbying efforts are generally aimed at securing funding and advancing public interest rather than promoting authoritarian policies.

Florida International University agreed to pay $575,000 in back pay along with an additional $125,000 allocated for future pay equity adjustments, resolving allegations made by the U.S. Department of Labor that the institution underpaid 163 female employees in mid-level executive roles.

Florida International University agreed to pay $575,000 in back wages and damages to resolve claims that 163 female employees were paid less than their male counterparts between August 2017 and August 2018. The settlement also includes an allocation of $125,000 for future pay equity adjustments, reflecting a commitment to correcting discriminatory compensation practices.

Florida International University entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay $575K in back wages and interest, plus an additional $125K for future pay equity adjustments, after a compliance review found that 163 women were paid less than their male counterparts from August 2017 to August 2018.

Students and faculty at Florida International University, organized under the 'Free FIU' coalition, are planning a 1,000-person walkout on April 13, 2023, to protest Florida House Bill 999 and Senate Bill 266. These bills target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as well as academic courses on queer theory and critical race theory, raising concerns about the marginalization of progressive and inclusive education initiatives.

On February 23, 2023, students, faculty, and community members at Florida International University organized a protest against Governor Ron DeSantis' measures targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida, as well as policies affecting transgender rights and academic freedom.