Can my employer gossip about my work performance?

So I got my welding job because the plant manager called the college I got to and asked for if any welding students needed jobs. My instructor informed me, I went and applied and now that employer has laid me off. I wasn't the best welder there but before working there they had promised to keep me around regardless even if I turned out to be inexperienced. Today they fired me for another employee's mistake that was in no way my fault and the manager mentioned that he will be calling my college to express his disappointment in me and to suggest they teach their students better. Is this legal? Can they gossip to other people about my work performance? And lastly is this grounds for a lawsuit? Thanks