Update on Young Republicans with Racist Chat Group
Why Universities Can’t Ignore Harm Done in Private Spaces
In October 2025, text messages from Young Republican state leaders’ group chats spanning several months were made public through reporting by ProPublica and Politico. Though the national organization called for some individuals to resign from their leadership posts. Many, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have stepped forward to defend them.
Here are some of their quotes, along with my thoughts on what they said.
“This is just what kids do.” — JD Vance
Whose kids do this? Is this how your three children talk in the Vance home? Young Republicans range in age from 18 to 40. At what point do they stop being kids?
“Young Republicans accused of racism shouldn’t have their lives ruined.”
They should be allowed to go on unimpeded to ruin other people’s lives, the ones they view with contempt.
“The pearl‑clutching over this is ridiculous.”
To ignore these comments is what would be ridiculous. “I love Hitler!”
“People are acting like these are hardened criminals — they’re not. They’re young people who said dumb things.”
Many of them are already in positions to do dumb things, like attempt to overthrow the government or put people in cages.
“If Democrats can say outrageous things and get a pass, why are we destroying the lives of Republicans for private jokes?”
I think calling people ni**er and fa**ot reveals much about one’s character, don’t you?
Right‑Wing Commentators / Influencers
“The left wants to cancel these kids for edgy jokes.”
These men, some of whom are near 40, aren’t being “edgy.” I can help you find another word to describe them.
“Everyone says dumb things in private chats — this is a witch hunt.”
Telling on yourself, how do you talk in private chats?
“This is cancel culture at work, plain and simple.”
What’s plain and straightforward is who these people are
“They’re trying to criminalize humor.”
No one is suggesting they’re criminals, just vile human beings.
“If you leaked every private group chat in America, you’d find the same kind of stuff.”
I, for one, have never participated in a private group chat like that. I suppose that’s why they wanted them private, so nobody would see who they are.
“The media is blowing this out of proportion because they’re terrified of young conservatives.”
It looks like there’s good cause to be terrified of young conservatives; they’re absolutely terrifying.
“This is nothing more than political correctness run amok.”
Don’t you think these “very vine people” need correction?
“Liberals are weaponizing private speech to destroy careers.”
Some of these people are talking about literally burning people. What kind of career would you like for them?
“It’s not racism, it’s satire.”
The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
“The outrage is fake — nobody actually believes these kids are Nazis.”
They’ve shown us who they are, I believe them.
“They’ve already apologized. That should be the end of it.”
Why? Without severe consequences, we’ll see more of the same. You can’t punish people for being racist, sexist, or homophobic, but you can keep them from being in charge of other people.
“We shouldn’t be punishing people for private conversations.”
They should be punished for being disgusting human beings
“This is a distraction from real issues like the economy and border security.”
You should be happy they’re distracting from the Epstein Files, but even they know Trump is hiding something.
“They’re being judged by the worst thing they ever said, not the totality of who they are.”
I don’t think for a minute it’s the worst thing they’ve ever said.
One reason to punish these people is to send a message to the next man or woman up that this behavior and these attitudes aren’t acceptable in those who wish to become America’s leaders.
What the Young Republican scandal ultimately reveals is not just the fragility of reputations in the digital age, but the persistence of a much older pattern: the reflex to excuse, minimize, or reframe racism and sexism as harmless indiscretion. From antebellum justifications of bondage to modern dismissals of “just jokes,” the language of defense has always sought to blunt the reality of harm. To name these patterns clearly is to resist them — and to insist that the next generation of political leaders be measured not by the excuses offered on their behalf, but by their willingness to confront the weight of history and the dignity of those most affected.
“History shows us that when hate is excused as humor, it doesn’t disappear — it metastasizes.”
Here’s the update:
As of May 20, 2026, two former Young Republican leaders have been barred from setting foot on the FIU campus for 2 years. Abel Carvajal, a third-year law student, was found responsible for an “affirmative act which aids, attempts, promotes, conceals, or facilitates” violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Carvajal said he has filed an appeal with the school contesting the decision. Dariel Gonzalez, the FIU College Republicans recruitment chairman at the time, was found to have “violated the part of the code that bars verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, and/or coercion that objectively endangers the health, safety, or well-being of others.” Gonzales was also found to have driven under the influence and smoked marijuana on campus. Gonzales is represented by Anthony Sabbatini, who is suing FIU President Jeanette Nunez, accusing her of violating the students’ First Amendment right to free speech.
You’ll note it’s been seven months since the chat group was discovered, and the two suspensions are the university’s first major step. After vowing quick action, weeks and months went by before the school took significant action. FIU students began protesting the president’s lack of action, accusing her of a double standard on student conduct.
The new suspensions, issued last week, ban the students involved in the group chats from all University-sponsored events. The students must also reapply for admission if they hope to return to the school after the suspension lifts in May 2028. Chief District Judge Cecilia Altonaga dismissed their free speech complaint last week, arguing that they lacked standing to sue because the university’s appeals process was ongoing and punishment was still pending.
Lastly, Carvajal and Gonzales may be eligible to petition the Justice Department for a portion of its $1.77 billion slush fund for victims who suffered from the weaponization of government. Ain’t life grand?
If there was a sincere apology attached to any of this, I'd suggest a second chance. But as I understand it, no such apology is even contemplated. No one should tolerate this sort of hubris.
Ya can't say grow up if they are in College in Grad School or in their Forties. That assholery in baked in. I hope they get stuffed because there is next to nothing you can do. Private Institution, Public Speech and the Assholes We Have To Put Up With. Be nice if they could be ashamed of themselves but Racist don't function on that level. Institutions are made up of people. People decide how the institution will respond. I'm glad they got "punished" I bet they dine out on it for the rest of their pathetic lives surrounded by other bigots. They deserve each other. It is unfortunate they have the power, locus and influence to do so much damage to the rest of us.
Idiot neighbor has his new Trump Flag up. It hangs OVER his Stars and Stripes. Tells you all you need to know. LOSER!