“When rumors started spreading that kids didn’t even take my class because these things were being said … that’s always every teacher’s fear,” Rigby said. The students’ reaction emphasized that the remarks weren’t simply harsh opinions, Rigby said, but false statements that carry consequential weight. Jason Zellman, the attorney who represented Hall and Rigby, said that Virginia has laws that protect opinions and silence criticism with the anti-SLAPP defense. Hall said Gordon mischaracterized her as an “employed crazy person with zero qualifications” who was given inappropriate access to children. Tips for educatorsAttorney Jason Zellman offered several practical points for teachers and parents who become targets of defamatory online attacks.