Teacher Slanders Against Student

[jp1945]

My question involves defamation in the state of: California

I am a high school student (Junior) and a teacher at my school has been telling other kids in classes that I am a terrible person and other words. It all started out when I delivered a note to a girl in his class, he asked me if I had permission from the school to hand these out,(there were packets on a unschool related event) I said yes because I had talked to the Principal before I did start to pass them out. The teacher said to me "Well, we'll see about that!" I went back to class thinking not much of it. However about 10 minutes later the teacher walked into my class with all of his students saying that I had lied to him and that he wanted an apology and wanted to use me as an example at what happens when someone lies to him. I told him that I did have permission and went to talk with the principal directly. He told me the teacher said I was putting up posters(which i wasn't) The principal them e-mailed the teacher back saying it was a misunderstanding and I had not lied to him and to drop it. However the next day other students came up to me saying that the teacher was spending about 15 minutes in each class telling them that I was a LIAR, A HORRIBLE PERSON, THAT ANYONE WHO TALKS TO ME IS DUMB, THAT IM A JERK, AND THAT I AM MEAN TO ALOT OF PEOPLE, and more words I dont want to say.
More that 5 people have gone to the administration complaining and I have too, are there any legal options I have? What should my family demand of the school? I was very upset for most of the day and still am.

Thanks

[cyjeff]

Everyone is legally entitled to their opinion.

I would have your parents call the principal and have it stopped internally.

[donnabert]

Everyone is legally entitled to their opinion.

I would have your parents call the principal and have it stopped internally.

Many laws that apply to adults in cases like this do not apply to children who are in a public school system. Because they don't have a choice in the matter, children in the public school system often can make claims against persons who are responsible for their well being if those persons are failing in their duty. You might want to talk to an attorney over the phone in a free consultation to find out if your rights are being violated according to the law in your jurisdiction.

Another option is to talk to the principal about it. He seems to be a bit in your corner already. Good luck.

Donna

[aaron]

Many laws that apply to adults in cases like this do not apply to children who are in a public school system. Because they don't have a choice in the matter, children in the public school system often can make claims against persons who are responsible for their well being if those persons are failing in their duty.

Please explain what you mean by that. What causes of action are you describing?

[cyjeff]

Many laws that apply to adults in cases like this do not apply to children who are in a public school system. Because they don't have a choice in the matter, children in the public school system often can make claims against persons who are responsible for their well being if those persons are failing in their duty.

While there have been many cases talking about certain rights that children may or may not have when they enter public property (i.e. drug searches), children do not lose their constitutional rights when they enter a school.