In this episode, I interview Palestinian American activist Bahia Amawi about her fight against Texas’ anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) legislation. We explore how these laws impact our work as speech-language pathologists and discuss their broader implications on free speech and global discourse about justice and human rights. Our conversation emphasizes the crucial need for open dialogue and understanding in the face of oppression.

Ms. Bahia Amawi started with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Florida. She worked in advertising for a couple of years. After realizing the environment of long hours, stressful deadlines, and lack of feeling any reward wasn’t suited for her, she went back to school and graduated with her master’s degree in speech language pathology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. She worked full time with Austin Independent School District during the school year and at a health clinic over the summers until she had her first child thus influencing her switch to contracting so she could balance motherhood and still be involved in her field. Currently, Bahia is an active member of her Austin surrounding community. She is involved in youth group, and Islamic education outreach, she is a homeschooling mom, and she contracts (without the anti-BDS law) as a speech language pathologist with Pflugerville Independent School District.

Bahia Amawi is featured across news sources in Texas and beyond for her advocacy against Anti-BDS legislation. She is also featured in the documentary, Boycott (by JustVision), available on Apple TV, Google Play, Vimeo on Demand, and Prime Video.

Additional Resources:

A Texas Elementary School Speech Pathologist Refused to Sign a Pro-Israel Oath...

US: States Use Anti-Boycott Laws to Punish Responsible Businesses

Boycott (Documentary)