Criminal defense attorney and Past-President of The Florida Bar Michelle Suskauer spoke with WPTV about the legal issues surrounding the termination of a Boca Raton nurse after a viral social media video targeting White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The nurse was fired by Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital after posting a video containing derogatory remarks and wishing childbirth complications on Leavitt. The hospital stated that the comments did not reflect its values or the standards expected of healthcare professionals.
Suskauer explained that while the case raises important First Amendment questions, private employers also have the right to establish workplace standards and determine whether an employee’s public conduct is consistent with their organization’s mission and reputation.
“It’s going to be a question of if this former employee is going to fight her termination, and she very well might, and we may see this in the courts,” Suskauer said. “Absolutely, it’s a First Amendment discussion.”
Suskauer also noted that any decision regarding the nurse’s professional license would require an independent review by the appropriate licensing board.
“The question is does the hospital have a right to make those judgment calls about their employees, and their argument is, yes I do,” she said.
She added that the case reflects the broader challenges employers face in today’s highly polarized political environment.
“We’re dealing with a political climate that is very, very hot. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the temperature is going to be going down.”
Read the full story here:
Boca Raton Nurse Fired After Viral Video Wishing Birth Complications on Trump Press Secretary (WPTV)
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-s-palm-beach-county/boca-raton/boca-raton-nurse-fired-after-viral-video-wishing-birth-complications-on-trump-press-secretary
