I know your probably thinking why is a student who refused counseling based on sexual orientation getting paid for not doing her job? Julea Ward, a student of Eastern Michigan University was expelled from a counseling program because she denied counseling to gays and lesbians about their lifestyles. Ward refused to counsel gays and lesbians because of her religious beliefs and in doign so she was dismissed from the master’s degree counseling program. Because of her rebuff a lawsuit was filed by the Alliance Defense Fund in April 2009 on behalf of Julea Ward. Ward, who was in training to become a K-12 counselor said she referred the student to another counselor. However, the Universities policy prohibits discrimination and requires counseling students to use the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association. The Alliance Defense Fund asked the court to order Eastern Michigan University to change its counseling curriculum to allow counseling students to refer clients elsewhere on issues related to same sex relationships, abortion, and per-marital sex. Eastern Michigan had the decision to not waste anymore money and just pay the student with the money coming from the schools insurance company, Ward was rewarded $75,000 in the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. I almost want to say that Ms. Ward is in the wrong profession, especially with being a K-12 counselor. Most teens in high school are exploring their sexuality and are trying to find themselves, how is it fair not to counsel a student because they are doing something you don’t believe in? A counselor is there to be open minded and to help those who are seeking advice. School is already a harsh and uncertain environment as it is, counselors are there to help with decisions beyond secondary education and to help prepare students; how can you do that if you’re dismissing them or passing them to someone else? There are teens who are being bullied for their sexual orientation and even worse committing suicide because they live in fear and/or have mental health issues, like depressions or anxiety. I understand that we should not compromise our beliefs for the sake of employment, however counselors should be unbiased and encouraging regardless of whatever lifestyle a person may lead. (291)
Twitter
