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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

Also, [b]school heads are public figures.[/b]  They understand that their performance is subject to critique, often through anonymous channels.  The fact that school heads wield power in the community--which sometimes can be exercised improperly--is a confounding factor.  Comparing people who post on this forum to someone who is a public figure seems markedly unfair.[/quote]

[b]Not for purposes of libel law, they're not.[/b]

If you post that John Smith, head of XYZ School, isn't a very good administrator in your view, that's fine. But if you allege John Smith, head of XYZ school, solicits sex from students (or something), that could be libel. No, Jeff wouldn't be liable, but it would still be a huge legal headache for him to have to provide authorities with your ISP, etc. So in some ways, the policy he articulates is protecting you from yourself.[/quote]

Yes, they are limited purpose public figures to the extent the discussion relates to their performance as head of school.  And also, as you indicate, opinion cannot be defamatory in any event.

But the discussion here relates to what Jeff as the moderator chooses to allow, and not what defamation law standards are.  Jeff is entirely able to impose whatever standards he chooses as the moderator of a private forum.[/quote]

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