Defamation/Libel
In today’s world, social media posts travel fast—but so can the consequences. For University of Arkansas students, online comments made in frustration, anger, or even as a joke may lead to defamation lawsuits or university discipline.
Under Arkansas law, defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact about another person that harms their reputation. When those statements are written or published—such as on Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or group chats—the claim is called libel. Spoken defamation is called slander.
At Taylor Law Partners in Fayetteville, we represent students on both sides of defamation matters, whether you’re accused of posting harmful content or the victim of damaging false statements.
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Key Takeaways
| Defamation Defined | False statements of fact that harm someone’s reputation. |
|---|---|
| Libel vs. Slander | Libel = written/posted; Slander = spoken |
| Social Media Risks | Tweets, DMs, memes, group texts, and TikToks can all count. |
| Damages | Victims may sue for lost opportunities, emotional distress, or harm to reputation. |
| Defenses | Truth, opinion, and privilege are common defenses. |
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Arkansas Law on Defamation
Defamation in Arkansas is governed by Arkansas common law, not a single statute. Courts generally require four elements:
- A false statement of fact,
- About the plaintiff,
- Published to a third party,
- That causes harm to the plaintiff’s reputation.
Importantly, truth is always a defense. Opinions, even harsh ones, are not defamatory if they cannot be proven true or false.
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Social Media & Defamation
For students, social media is the most common arena for defamation claims. Issues often arise from:
- Posts about classmates or Greek life accusing someone of illegal, unethical, or embarrassing conduct
- Sharing screenshots or memes that suggest misconduct
- Group chats or DMs that later get shared publicly
- Retaliatory posts following breakups, disputes, or disciplinary actions
Because posts can be screenshotted, shared, and never fully erased, even a deleted comment can create legal and disciplinary risks.
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Potential Consequences
- Civil Lawsuits — Students can be sued for damages in Arkansas courts.
- University Discipline — Defamatory statements may violate UA’s Code of Student Conduct regarding harassment or cyberbullying.
- Criminal Law — In extreme cases, defamation tied to threats or harassment may overlap with criminal charges.
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Protecting Yourself Online
- Think before posting — If you wouldn’t say it in court, don’t post it online.
- Stick to opinions, not accusations — “I don’t like this professor’s teaching style” is different from “this professor is stealing money.”
- Avoid reposting rumors — Sharing false claims can make you just as liable.
- Document evidence — If you’re a victim, screenshot and save harmful posts.
- Seek legal help early — Don’t ignore a cease-and-desist letter or lawsuit threat.
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Defamation and libel issues are complex—especially when tied to social media and student conduct proceedings. At Taylor Law Partners, we help University of Arkansas students protect their reputations, defend against lawsuits, and pursue claims when false statements cause harm.
If you are facing a defamation issue related to social media or student life, contact Taylor Law Partners today for a confidential consultation.
Call: (479) 316 – 6300
Office: Taylor Law Partners, 211 E. Dickson Street Ste. 1, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Website:
https://taylorlawpartners.com
