An accusation of (general) harassment

[N2theFryingPan]

I'm an educator in Arkansas. When does a written, published accusation of harassment rise to defamation? A parent has accused me of harassing his daughter in class, and, subsequently, the parent published the accusation in a complaint to the principal of the school. The "harassment" stems from a debate had between the class and myself, and the daughter found herself in the minority and felt abused because of it.

Thanks,
N2theFryingPan

 

[pojo2]

You must be kidding to question that the parent had the right to voice her concern and use the information as proof to her allegations?

And you are an educator.

 

[N2theFryingPan]

I thought that when I posted my question I'd get a professional response. Maybe I should re-think this avenue.

The fact that the parent voiced his concern does not bother me; in fact, I encourage parental involvement and feedback. However, that the parent made a legal conclusion without proving up the allegation according to ANY legal standard gives rise to my concern. When a conclusory statement is made, i.e., my daughter's teacher is a thief, the ramifications can be grave. Here, the parent made such a conclusion, and I seek only to protect my name, my livlihood, and my credientials.

 

[stephenk]

It's an opinion. What was the response of the principal to the parent's complaint? What grade is the class?