Might not graduate over FB

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Can a nursing program not allow you to graduate for a post on FB that doesn't violate any school, board or HIPPA policies? I passed all my courses. Graduation is next week and they are letting people who failed exits graduate!

Anyway, I said I thought a tech was a *****. I deleted it. But someone on my friends list that goes to my school printed it out and gave it to my director. (Why would someone do that). So now the program is threatening to take my graduation away after I passed everything with really good grades. The dean doesn't seem to be helpful either.

Pretty sure FB is considered along the lines of free speech. While it wasn't a smart thing to post, you could tell them you will be contacting the ACLU.

Since when was it a civil liberty to insult a hospital employee, especially when it is a hospital the school probably has worked hard to earn a professional relationship with?

Since when was it a civil right to attend nursing school?

Come to think of it, maybe the school should sue you for violating their right to decide who is fit to graduate.

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Since when was it a civil liberty to insult a hospital employee, especially when it is a hospital the school probably has worked hard to earn a professional relationship with?

Since when was it a civil right to attend nursing school?

Come to think of it, maybe the school should sue you for violating their right to decide who is fit to graduate.

For one she did not insult him to his/her face. She stated her opinion on the individual on her social media page. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. For instance take a look at the website rate my professor. There are thousands of reviews negative and positive that reflects opinions of students. Why are the negative comments on that website not considered libel and slander? Because it's anonymous?? Sorry that's not a good enough reason.

Also when did I ever say it is this students civil liberty to attend nursing school. You are just looking to pick a fight, maybe I should sue you for harassment.

Edit: I am not trying to justify the students actions!

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
It's not libel or slander if it is her opinion and not a fact. But you should really contact a lawyer if the meeting is not in your favor!

You have it backwards. Facts aren't libelous, but false statements, including an opinion that's misleading, may be found to be libel.

Full Definition of LIBEL

1

a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought

b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone

2

a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression

b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel. Libel - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Glad that you've overcome. I didn't truly believe that you'd be thrown out or barred from graduating.

But, I figured the school would make you sweat a little and not simply because you 'represent the school'. Two people from my job got axed for misconstrued FB comments. It's serious.

You gave no names; you did not mention the facility. Still, it's best that the school held your feet to the fire. There's a major lesson to be learned from this minor mistake. This is guidance. They're trying to help you out, in my opinion.

If you make such a mistake as a working nurse, you could get be fired or sued.

Your classmates are NOT your 'friends'...and neither will your coworkers be. Not truly.

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You have it backwards. Facts aren't libelous, but false statements, including an opinion that's misleading, may be found to be libel.

Full Definition of LIBEL

1

a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought

b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone

2

a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression

b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel. Libel - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

"What is a statement of verifiable fact?

A statement of verifiable fact is a statement that conveys a provably false factual assertion, such as someone has committed murder or has cheated on his spouse. To illustrate this point, consider the following excerpt from a court (Vogel v. Felice)

Can my opinion be defamatory?

No—but merely labeling a statement as your "opinion" does not make it so. Courts look at whether a reasonable reader or listener could understand the statement as asserting a statement of verifiable fact. (A verifiable fact is one capable of being proven true or false.) This is determined in light of the context of the statement. A few courts have said that statements made in the context of an Internet bulletin board or chat room are highly likely to be opinions or hyperbole, but they do look at the remark in context to see if it's likely to be seen as a true, even if controversial, opinion ("I really hate George Lucas' new movie") rather than an assertion of fact dressed up as an opinion ("It's my opinion that Trinity is the hacker who broke into the IRS database")."

Hopefully this can illustrate the point I am trying to make.

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OP- I am glad to hear they ruled in your favor! Be careful!

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, BookWorming:

If I understand correctly, it worked out in the end. If my understanding is correct, I'm happy and glad for you. Lesson learned, time to move on.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Neuro Intensive Care.

Facebook is the devil!!!!! Not really, but Im glad that you learned your lesson and will be able to graduate! I bet you wont make that mistake ever again ;)

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Yeah!!!!!! So so very happy for you!! I was feeling so stressed for you. Now I can breathe :-)

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That's why I don't add 'friends' on my fb from school. Not everyone is your friend and will backstab you in a minute! They only want to get on your page to be nosy. Glad to see you can still graduate!

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Specializes in ER.

I'd pull up the rules of school regarding social network sites. In fact, a lawyer may be advisable. I know our school had issues with Facebook but I forget the full story.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I'd pull up the rules of school regarding social network sites. In fact, a lawyer may be advisable. I know our school had issues with Facebook but I forget the full story.

The outcome has been determined, the OP gets to graduate

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