False Statements and School Employees
False statements on social media can spread faster than wildfire—and for teachers, the fallout can be severe. In small Tennessee communities, a single Facebook post or group text can damage reputations in minutes. The question is: what legal recourse do teachers have when their good name is attacked online?
This post breaks down how defamation law works in Tennessee, how courts treat teachers under that law, and what steps educators should consider if they become the subject of a harmful online post.
Defamation in Tennessee: The Basics
Defamation occurs when someone spreads a false statement that harms another person’s reputation. Tennessee law recognizes two forms:
Libel – Written or published defamation, including social media posts.
Slander – Spoken defamation.
For a teacher to succeed on a defamation claim in Tennessee, they must prove:
The statement was false.
It was about them.
It was shared with at least one other person (posting online satisfies this easily).
It was made with the required level of fault.
The teacher suffered an actual, provable injury.
Teachers as “Public Officials” in Tennessee
A central issue in defamation law is whether the plaintiff is a private figure or a public official/figure. The classification determines the fault standard:
Private figure – Only need to prove negligence.
Public official – Must prove actual malice, meaning the speaker either knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Unlike many states that treat teachers as private figures, Tennessee courts have consistently placed teachers in the public official category.
In Campbell v. Robinson, 955 S.W.2d 609 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1997), the Court of Appeals held that Tennessee public school teachers were public officials for defamation purposes. Citing Junior-Spense v. Keenan 1990 WL 17241, where a principal was recognized as a “public" figure”, the court explained that a teacher, like the principal in Junior-Spense is seen by parents and students as “an authority figure and a government representative.” Campbell v. Robinson, 955 S.W.2d 609, 612 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1997).
In Finney v. Jefferson (Tenn. Ct. App. Sept. 23, 2020), a public-school teacher sued parents over statements in a letter she claimed were defamatory. The court reaffirmed Campbell, noting that Ms. Finney conceded that, as a public-school teacher, she was considered a public official and therefore subject to the actual-malice standard. Because she could not show that the parents acted with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth, her claim failed—even though the statements were defamatory.
This classification makes Tennessee a challenging place for teachers to bring defamation cases.
The Hard Part: Proving Actual Injury
Even if a teacher proves actual malice, Tennessee law does not allow “presumed damages.” You must show actual harm, such as:
Reputational harm – Loss of standing in the community.
Emotional distress – Humiliation, mental anguish, or suffering.
Economic harm – Job loss, reduced pay, or other financial losses.
Frustration or anger alone won’t cut it. Courts look for evidence—community backlash, counseling records, or professional consequences.
Evidence and Deadlines
Strong defamation claims depend on strong evidence. Teachers should:
Take screenshots immediately, including comments, shares, and likes.
Save proof of any fallout—emails, texts, or official reports.
Tennessee law also sets short filing deadlines:
One year for libel (social media posts).
Six months for slander (spoken statements).
The clock starts on the date the statement is published, not when you first learn of it.
First Steps Before Filing a Lawsuit
Because litigation is expensive and stressful, teachers should consider practical pre-lawsuit steps:
Cease-and-desist letter – A formal demand to stop and remove the false statement.
Retraction request – Tennessee’s retraction statute is outdated, but a voluntary retraction can help minimize damages.
If the poster is anonymous, there are legal tools to uncover their identity—but the process can be slow and contested by social media companies.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Litigation
Teachers can sue for defamation in Tennessee, but the bar is high. Courts treat teachers as public officials, meaning the case hinges on proving actual malice and actual injury.
While litigation can provide accountability, teachers must carefully weigh the costs, stress, and potential publicity against the likelihood of success. Where reputational harm, emotional distress, and economic loss are clear—and actual malice can be shown—Tennessee law offers a way forward.
Key Takeaways for Tennessee Teachers
Tennessee courts classify teachers as public officials for defamation purposes.
Teachers must prove actual malice, a demanding standard.
Evidence of real harm is essential.
The one-year deadline for libel claims means swift action is critical.
A cease-and-desist letter is often the smartest first step.
Final Word
Social media can amplify voices—but it can also amplify lies. Tennessee law does protect teachers from damaging falsehoods, but the road is tougher here than in many states.
Teachers dedicate their lives to serving students. They should not have to endure lasting reputational harm because of reckless online speech. If you are a Tennessee educator facing this issue, act quickly: preserve your evidence, understand your rights, and seek experienced legal guidance.