Suspended for hearing a rumor

[LolaNicholas]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me with some legal advice.
I was recently suspended without pay at a veterinarian office because rumors were spread that employees were cheating on an advancement exam. I had nothing to do with cheating and only heard a rumor that someone was cheating. My entire shift staff was suspended.
I'm not sure what I should do. I did nothing wrong. Did I have to legally report a rumor? I figured it was just a rumor and didn't want to jeopardize someone's job. And now that I'm being associated do you think this could be slander? I'm completely humiliated from this; I was escorted out of the building like a criminal. I feel like they are calling me a cheater when I'm actually a college grad and one of few who actually passed that test.

I would'nt even feel comfortable taking my position back if they offered it now that I see how they handle situations.

Do you think I can sue for salary?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[cbg]

It's a shame that this happened but no laws are being violated; nothing you have posted amounts to slander; no protected rights are being violated. Legally, you were not required to report it but legally, the employer is entitled to suspend or fire on the basis of a rumor. Proof is not needed. Google, Employment at will

Since no laws have been violated, a lawsuit for your salary would not likely succeed and even if it did, would probably cost you more that you gained. However, there is nothing stopping you from filing for unemployment and on the basis of what you have posted, you'd likely get it.

 

[army judge]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me with some legal advice.
I was recently suspended without pay at a veterinarian office because rumors were spread that employees were cheating on an advancement exam. I had nothing to do with cheating and only heard a rumor that someone was cheating. My entire shift staff was suspended.
I'm not sure what I should do. I did nothing wrong. Did I have to legally report a rumor? I figured it was just a rumor and didn't want to jeopardize someone's job. And now that I'm being associated do you think this could be slander? I'm completely humiliated from this; I was escorted out of the building like a criminal. I feel like they are calling me a cheater when I'm actually a college grad and one of few who actually passed that test.

I would'nt even feel comfortable taking my position back if they offered it now that I see how they handle situations.

Do you think I can sue for salary?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

This is most regrettable, and I'm sure you find it troubling and disturbing.
All I can offer, in addition to the excellent advice offered to you by "cbg", is never tell anyone that you know anything if you don't want to be drawn into any messy situation.
If you had said, "I don't know anything about any cheating." There is no way anyone could have tied you to this mess.

I wish you well.

 

[Betty3]

The only thing you can do is apply for unemployment ins. The state will decide if you qualify.

The employer did not do anything illegal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will_employment (Here is a link you might want to read for educational/informational purposes.)