So, things are getting kinda rough at my school. We lost a first-year student last year, following a psychotic break. The school handled it really well, but many students were worried about the possibility of an active-shooter event on campus. Nothing at all happened, but the rumor mill was fueled to the point of it's own insanity. Lies and gossip are being spread with gleeful malicious intent among the various campus cliques.
I've become fairly alienated after students and faculty learned of my status as a disabled veteran. I posted a photo of a mechanic's hammer labeled as a reflex hammer (in deference to my blue-collar family background), and was told that half my class assumed I was going to literally actually bring it to class and murder people. I overheard my girlfriend openly being called a "bi-polar wh0re" amongst some of the popular students. A student recently informed me that "soldiers are just cold-blooded murderers with a license to kill." A few like to make fellatio gestures in public, regarding a student's sexuality. There is open drug use, frequent public over-intoxication, students drinking with professors, etc. Basically, cliquey high-school-esque drama....
But, last week, I was falsely reported for being high on drugs during anatomy lab. By a professor and a GTA. I was told by the dean that I should look for alternative careers, in probability of expulsion or letter of reprimand. I've taken a voluntary drug test at a local clinic, and my blood is perfectly clean. I have a dozen witnesses from the lab claiming my innocence, and employer-mandated drug testing from earlier this summer showing no history of drug abuse. I have been accused in writing as having slurred speech, stumbling gate, glassy eyes and non-lucid behavior...yet I'd just finished a 3-hour spinal cord dissection nearly single-handedly, while having pleasant conversations with lab partners (I even showed them a intermediolateral column cross-section...pretty cool).
I've spoken with several deans and the president of the school, and still await their action. The school counselor is apologetic to the point of tears. Student Services is non-committal and un-interested. So, counter-claims have been filed, and witness statements are being written on my behalf. I am gathering quotes for legal defense, to seek a slander/harassment/defamation lawsuit.
I'm interested in learning how institutions can actually stop the process of active, ongoing rumor-mongering. It seems to be one of those "en masse" problems, where you can't really stop a bunch of people whispering. "You can't punish all of us"...etc. Is there anything I can do, as a victim? Should I even try? I've been warned not to rock the boat, lest I face expulsion.
