Question

Question on defamation of character. My 15 year-old daughter was recently expelled from a private Catholic School in Mudelien, IL, for allegedly "stealing" a purse which she actually had found in the bathroom, had stupidly shoved in her locker and did not turn in right away. She had told some of her friends about the purse at lunch telling them her intent on turning it in. Before she was able to, she was called to the office by the Dean and asked if she had the purse. She freaked out said no, but of course they checked her locker and found it there. Her friends corroborated her story, but their ethics board did not listen and she was expelled, but we received a letter stating that we withdrew her in Good Standing. She did not "steal" the purse. Stupid decisions and lying, yes, but not a thief. Now, a few days later, I hear teachers are saying the they believe that she stole the purse and are glad she is gone to students. Do I have a case to sue if this does not stop?