What to Do If You Are Defamed on RateMyProfessor

As a professor, your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. It’s the foundation of your credibility in the classroom, your standing among peers, and often a key factor in career advancement. That’s why discovering a false, damaging review on RateMyProfessor can be so distressing. The mix of anonymous accusations and public visibility creates a perfect storm of professional anxiety.

But while you can’t prevent students from posting on RateMyProfessor, you’re not powerless in the face of defamatory content. This guide will walk you through your options, from working within RateMyProfessor’s system to pursuing legal remedies. We’ll also explore proactive strategies to protect your online reputation and cope with the emotional toll of false reviews.

What Is Considered Defamation on RateMyProfessor?

Before taking action, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes defamation in the context of RateMyProfessor reviews. Not all negative reviews are defamatory, even if they feel unfair or hurtful.

RateMyProfessor’s Content Guidelines

RateMyProfessor has its own set of content guidelines that prohibit certain types of reviews. These include reviews containing profanity, personal attacks, or discriminatory language. The site also disallows reviews that are clearly posted by someone who hasn’t taken the professor’s class. However, RateMyProfessor’s guidelines are primarily focused on civility and relevance, not factual accuracy.

Defining Defamation: False Statements vs. Opinion

From a legal standpoint, defamation involves a false statement of fact that harms someone’s reputation. Opinions, no matter how harsh, are generally protected speech. This distinction is critical when evaluating RateMyProfessor reviews.

Examples of Defamatory vs. Non-Defamatory Reviews

A review stating, “This professor’s lectures are boring and unhelpful” is an opinion and likely not defamatory. In contrast, a review claiming, “This professor accepts bribes for good grades” is a statement of fact. If false, it could be considered defamation.

A review alleging, “The professor regularly cancels class without notice” could be defamatory if untrue, as it’s a factual claim about professional conduct. However, a review saying, “I feel like I didn’t learn anything in this class” is a subjective opinion and not defamatory.

Steps to Remove a Defamatory Review on RateMyProfessor

If you believe a review on your RateMyProfessor profile is defamatory, your first step should be to report it through the site’s official channels.

How to Flag and Report a Review

RateMyProfessor provides a flagging system for reporting problematic reviews. While this system is primarily designed to catch violations of the site’s content guidelines, it’s also your first line of defense against defamatory content.

Flagging a Review on RateMyProfessor: Step-by-Step

To flag a review, navigate to your profile page and locate the review in question. At the bottom of each review, you’ll find a “flag” icon. Click this icon and select the reason for your report from the dropdown menu. While there isn’t a specific option for defamation, you can choose “Other” and provide a detailed explanation in the comments field.

RateMyProfessor’s Moderation Process and Timeline

After flagging a review, it enters RateMyProfessor’s moderation queue. The site doesn’t provide specific timelines for review, but in our experience, it typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for moderators to evaluate flagged content.

Moderators will assess the review against the site’s content guidelines. If they determine the review violates these guidelines, it will be removed. However, it’s important to note that RateMyProfessor’s moderation team is not equipped to make legal determinations about defamation.

What to Do If Your Removal Request Is Denied

If RateMyProfessor denies your removal request, don’t lose hope. The site’s moderation process is just one avenue for addressing defamatory content. At this point, it may be time to consider your legal options.

Legal Options for Dealing With RateMyProfessor Defamation

When RateMyProfessor’s internal processes fail to resolve the issue, legal action may be necessary to protect your reputation.

Defamation Law and Online Reviews

Defamation law applies to online reviews just as it does to any other form of communication. However, the anonymous nature of many RateMyProfessor reviews can complicate matters. Additionally, the broad protections for free speech in the United States mean that the bar for proving defamation is relatively high.

Pursuing a Defamation Lawsuit

A defamation lawsuit should be considered a last resort, but in cases of serious reputational harm, it may be necessary.

Elements of a Defamation Claim

To succeed in a defamation claim, you typically need to prove:

1. A false statement of fact was made about you
2. The statement was published to a third-party
3. The publisher acted with at least negligence
4. The statement caused harm to your reputation

In the context of RateMyProfessor, you would need to show that the review contains false factual claims, not just negative opinions.

Identifying Anonymous Reviewers

One of the biggest challenges in pursuing legal action against a RateMyProfessor review is identifying the author. This often requires filing a lawsuit against a “John Doe” defendant and then subpoenaing RateMyProfessor for information about the user who posted the review.

Sending a Demand Letter vs. Filing a Lawsuit

Before filing a lawsuit, consider sending a demand letter. This formal letter, typically drafted by an attorney, outlines the defamatory statements, explains why they’re false, and demands their removal. Sometimes, the threat of legal action is enough to prompt the removal of the offending content.

Proactive Strategies to Protect Your Reputation on RateMyProfessor

While knowing how to respond to defamatory reviews is crucial, taking proactive steps to manage your online reputation can help mitigate the impact of negative reviews.

Encouraging Positive Reviews from Students

One of the most effective ways to counteract negative reviews is to encourage satisfied students to share their positive experiences. At the end of each semester, consider reminding students that RateMyProfessor exists and that thoughtful, honest feedback is appreciated. Be careful, however, not to offer any incentives for positive reviews, as this could violate RateMyProfessor’s policies.

Addressing False Reviews in the Classroom

If you’re aware of false information circulating about you on RateMyProfessor, consider addressing it directly with your students. You don’t need to mention the site specifically, but you can clarify any misconceptions about your teaching methods, grading policies, or professional conduct.

Optimizing Your Online Presence

Developing a strong, positive online presence can help offset the impact of negative RateMyProfessor reviews. Consider creating a professional website or actively maintaining your university profile page. Share your accomplishments, publish articles, and engage in your academic community online. When people search for your name, these positive results can help balance out any negative reviews.

Responding to Negative Reviews

RateMyProfessor allows professors to respond to reviews. However, this should be done cautiously and professionally.

Option 1: Responding Directly to the Reviewer

If you choose to respond directly to a review, keep your response brief, professional, and non-confrontational. Thank the reviewer for their feedback and address any factual inaccuracies calmly. Avoid getting drawn into arguments or revealing any information that could identify the student.

Option 2: Posting a General Response

Another option is to post a general statement on your RateMyProfessor profile. This could outline your teaching philosophy, explain your grading methods, or address common misconceptions. This approach allows you to provide context for all visitors to your profile without engaging with specific reviewers.

Taking Action Against RateMyProfessor Defamation

Dealing with defamatory reviews on RateMyProfessor can be challenging, but you have options. From utilizing the site’s reporting system to pursuing legal action, there are multiple avenues to protect your professional reputation.

Key Takeaways for Targeted Professors

Remember, not all negative reviews are defamatory. Focus your energy on addressing factually false statements that could genuinely harm your reputation. Utilize RateMyProfessor’s flagging system as a first step, but be prepared to escalate to legal options if necessary.

The Importance of Being Proactive

Don’t wait for a crisis to manage your online reputation. Regularly encourage honest feedback from students, maintain a positive online presence, and address any misconceptions about your teaching promptly.

Getting Legal Help with Defamatory Reviews

If you’re facing severe reputational harm from a RateMyProfessor review and the site’s internal processes haven’t resolved the issue, it may be time to consult with a legal professional. At Minc Law, we have deep experience in internet defamation cases and dealing with online review platforms.

Our attorneys can help you evaluate the strength of your case, identify anonymous reviewers when necessary, and pursue the most effective strategy for removing defamatory content. We understand the nuances of academic reputations and the unique challenges posed by platforms like RateMyProfessor.

Don’t let false reviews tarnish your hard-earned reputation. Contact Minc Law today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and take the first step towards reclaiming your online narrative.