Defamation of character
invest_into_ on
Wed, April 11, 2007 5:50 AM
Hello My name is Kelly and i am looking to find out more about defamation of character. I am a private school teacher and have had a home room mom poll other parents from a list of phone numbers. This person has been harassing me since January of this year by contacting other parents and making accusations against me, up to the number of 15 or more steming from petty issues to condemnation of the student to hell. which are all just accusations. The board of the school has not found me at fault but the parent who has created this infection should be punished in some way. Could this be defamation of character?
Replies:
Rexxfield.com on
Fri, May 1, 2009 11:20 PM
Until someone has experienced being the victim of a single-minded and focused smear campaign, it is very difficult for them to relate to the anguish you are probably experiencing.
In a nutshell, if what she is saying about you is false, then it is defamation. Specifically, if it's verbal it is slander, if it is written it is libel.
Taking legal action is expensive financially and emotionally. Based on the language used I'm assuming it is a Christian school, if that is the case I would suggest that you ask one of your elders to initiate contact with an elder from your antagonists church. Thereafter, those two would choose a third independent person. The child's mother and yourself would then explain your respective points of view. Allow the tribunal to make a decision, and then to abide by it.
jaydhindsa on
Wed, April 11, 2007 7:08 PM
I'm not an attorney. I'm just curious.
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1. What made this parent single YOU out for harrassment? You really never stated what you were accused of.
2. Sounds like this parent stirred-up some curiosity among several other parents... but what was done to YOU? At this point, it doesn't sound like harrassment at all. From what I understand, "Harrassment" would be calling you 10 times per day and cussing you out, or hanging up.
3. What has this parent done since you were acquitted by the Board of the School? - Incidentally: was there a real hearing before the board where you were found not at fault??? Or was there actually no board hearing? ( in which case you weren't "not found at fault" - you merely weren't tried yet. )
4. What have you suffered due to this alleged "defamation"? - Were you fired? Do people look at you funny at the grocery store? Do total strangers walk up to you and slap you in the face? Did you get kicked-out of your apartment? Do children kick you in your shins for no apparent reason at all? Have your church elders shunned you and MasterCard denied you credit?
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If you had no character to begin with, it's impossible to defame it. Were you previously known as a great community leader? Is your reputation impeccable?
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Because of the way you wrote your post, I'm not only surprised, but disappointed that you teach in a private school.
No defamation intended.
-M.
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