Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

Can a professor sue a university chair for libel or slander for arbitrarily term

An adjunct professor of over 30 years is terminated without prior notice; the cause stated in a letter is invasion of personal space of female students in the teaching of speech movements. This professor has been awarded consistent merit pay increases; consistent outstanding teacher observations; assigned the highest amount of credits (10) for part-timers; is listed in the upcoming Spring brochure advertising him --the letter contains lies about another Professor having had a talk with me who denies it.

What are my options if any--to sue for potential damages to my reputation and lost income?


Asked on 11/29/00, 4:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harold M. Weiner Coles & Weiner, P.C.

Re: Can a professor sue a university chair for libel or slander for arbitrarily

Anyone can sue anyone. The suit would be for libel and slander if spoken orally. It is not a substitute for an employment discrimination action, which may or may not lie, depending on othe factors. To determine what exactly is at stake, more information is needed than supplied here. For example: Truth is a defense. Is there ANY truth to the statements? Remember the limited privilege accorded academics and universities who and which ( English Major here ) are very sensitive to sex harassment and discrimination issues, being at great risk for lawsuits by female ( and male !) students and faculty. Hire a good lawyer. My crystal ball says you met one yesterday.

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Answered on 12/05/00, 7:21 am


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