As Americans, we are all aware of our right to free speech that extends to nearly every facet of our lives, including the workplace. Not everyone will share the opinions or beliefs of their colleagues. While comments and opinions of colleagues have traditionally been fodder for water cooler gossip, a dentist in Florida's comments have gotten the attention of the Florida Legislature. You must fight back if you hold a professional license and face disciplinary action due to your opinions or beliefs. At the Lento Law Firm, our seasoned Professional License Defense Team will protect your rights to free speech and your license. Contact us today by calling 888-535-3686 or using our online form.

What is Happening in Florida?

A Florida dentist, Fadi Kablawi, gained the attention of the Florida legislature after his widely shared videos of his antisemitic views on the Israel-Hamas in Palestine and the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel reached Florida Representative Randy Fine. Social media posts document Kablawi saying that Jews are "the brothers of apes and pigs" and that the Israeli Army is "worse than Nazis." He has also been quoted saying, "Oh Allah, annihilate the tyrannical Jews.”

Kablawi's videos could not have reached a more concerned Florida legislator. Fine is not only the only Jewish Republican in the state's legislature but also the chair of the Florida House of Representatives Health Care Services Committee, which works with the Department of Health on disciplinary actions against licensed medical professionals. Fine and members of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus have called for the Florida Board of Dentistry to suspend Kablawi's dental license.

State and Constitutional Rights to Free Speech

In 2023, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill protecting physicians' rights to free speech by allowing them to opt out of participating in or offering services they do not ethically or morally agree with. The Florida law's basis is that all persons have the right to free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

While we may have been led to believe that our rights to free speech are boundless, this is not the case. Both Florida legislators who were in favor and against the abovementioned Florida law agree that Kablawi's comments are, in fact, not protected by his First Amendment right to free speech. Free speech intended to incite violence does not qualify for constitutional protection. Legislators argue that it isn't Kablawi's distaste for Jews that is the issue; rather, it is that his comments call for and intend to incite the genocide of Jews. Kablawi argues his remarks have been taken out of context and states he intends to pursue legal action if he faces disciplinary action.

If Your Free Speech is Impacting Your Professional License, You Need the Lento Law Firm

You are a highly educated licensed professional with the Constitutional right to share your opinion. Your beliefs and opinions should never lead to disciplinary action against your license, particularly when you have always upheld your profession's moral and ethical standards. If your license is threatened, the Lento Law Firm is here to defend you. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.