I am a teacher in a public school. If a parent talks negatively on social media, is that defamation?

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I am a teacher in a public school. If a parent talks negatively on social media, is that defamation?

Is it defamation to talk negatively about a
teacher on social media?

Asked on January 19, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

If the parent's statements on social media are false, you can sue the parent for defamation. Defamation is a false statement communicated to a third party, who recognizes the defamatory content and the statement is injurious to your reputation. Each repetition of the defamatory statement is actionable in a lawsuit for defamation.
Libel is written defamation. Slander is spoken defamation.
Your damages (monetary compensation you are seeking in your lawsuit) for defamation include emotional distress. You can also seek punitive damages which are a substantial amount to punish the intentional wrongful acts of the parent.


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