We Swear We’re Tolerant
A Christian student in the counseling program at Eastern Michigan University was expelled because she believes in the traditional definition of marriage and consequently did not feel comfortable being forced to counsel same-sex patients. Julea Ward in turn sued the school, and yesterday a federal judge in Michigan threw the case out, siding with the university.
U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh dismissed Ward’s lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University. She was removed from the school’s counseling program last year because she refused to counsel homosexual clients.
The university contended she violated school policy and the American Counseling Association code of ethics.
But I thought that college campuses were the bastions of free thought and moral relativism?
Eastern Michigan University hailed the decision.
“We are pleased that the court has upheld our position in this matter,” EMU spokesman Walter Kraft said in a written statement. “Julea Ward was not discriminated against because of her religion. To the contrary, Eastern Michigan is deeply committed to the education of our students and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community.”
In his 48-page opinion, Judge Steeh said the university had a rational basis for adopting the ACA Code of Ethics.
“Furthermore, the university had a rational basis for requiring students to counsel clients without imposing their personal values,” he wrote in a portion of his ruling posted by The Detroit News. “In the case of Ms. Ward, the university determined that she would never change her behavior and would consistently refuse to counsel clients on matters with which she was personally opposed due to her religious beliefs – including homosexual relationships.”
So everyone is welcome, all religious beliefs are on the same level playing field, but because Julea Ward would not "change her behavior" (aka "change her religious beliefs") she is not able to be accredited with a degree in counseling? Putting aside how one feels about gay marriage (or homosexuality in general), what in the world do Julea Ward's personal religious convictions have to do with her ability as a counselor? Counselors and psychiatrists can choose to see (or not see) any client they want. You can decide to not see a client because they are obnoxious, or you don't care for the perfume she wears, or they are White Sox fans.
There is a cultural battle waging in this country, whether we like harsh terms like "battle" and "war" or not. Groups like the Alliance Defense Fund are actually joining in the debate. If you're not familiar with ADF, you should be. Even if you aren't willing to give of your time or effort, support those who are.
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July 30th, 2010 - 05:07
This topic is close to home because someone I know, Jennifer Keeton, is fighting the same battle with Augusta State University down here in Georgia. It’s been all over the news down here. She was basically ordered to take diversity/sensitivity classes or not be a part of the program anymore because of her religious beliefs and thoughts on homosexuality and gender confusion.
Because I am still thinking about becoming a professional counselor myself, these are issues that I have thought long about and have discussed with other Christians who did get their graduate degrees/licenses in counseling. Part of me sides with these schools’ decision to reject students who they do not feel would be successful or unbiased. That is why it is important to thoroughly research graduate programs–because they reserve that right, to kick you out if the faculty doesn’t like your progress. As a believer, if I wish to navigate secular society/academia, I feel as though I need to play by their rules for the time being. That doesn’t mean lying about what I believe so much as being wise about what I accept, reject, learn and apply about what I’m being taught. As you said, once someone becomes licensed, they can treat whoever they desire. This is where the battle is–not in the classroom. You glean important and methods as a student, and as a believer, you can meld them with your beliefs about the Bible in your PRACTICE. If I wanted affirmation in my biblical beliefs, I would/should choose a seminary or school with a curricula that I agreed with. Which is still an option for me. Just like my friend Jenn or this person above could have.
This is the battle though. These universities must keep their accreditation and there is pressure from secular society to conform. I find battling this beast in a legal way counterproductive to my ministry as a believer in Christ and goal to perhaps one day becoming a professional counselor. We are not to be shocked by changing tidal waves in this world. We are to anticipate them, learning how to minister to a lost world through them. I would be willing to bet that this person’s beliefs played out through her practice would be of great spiritual impact than this legal battle. I have much more to say but the workday is around the corner.
July 30th, 2010 - 22:25
My thinking is that we are losing the religious freedom discussion not because many people are standing up to the powers that be, but because judges rule against Christian people in most cases. From the Supreme Court down Christians have lost court cases starting most notably with the Warren Court. One of my friends just sent me this email which is supposed to be tongue in cheek. I hope it is just that–but I am worried. The Email:
“I just applied for a building permit for a new house.
It was going to be 100 ft tall and 400 ft wide with 9 turrets at various heights and windows all over the place and a loud outside entertainment sound system. It would have parking for 200 cars and I was going to paint it snot green with pink trim.
The City Council told me NO WAY.
So I sent in the application again, but this time I called it a Mosque.
………
Work starts on Monday…”
rcf
August 2nd, 2010 - 18:25
Unbiased. Now there is a word that truly begs for a definition. It is quit obvious to the casual observer that the hypocrisy of these so called “teaching institutions” is beyond the pale. They sure have a way of teaching these students how to be “unbiased” through their biased actions.
The meme that students who have anything but a Secular Humanist/Marxist worldview of counseling are somehow “biased” is a poorly constructed veil to hide behind another bias. I don’t expect to see these students get any kind of justice in this godless country anymore though.