week 3 replies
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Week4dbcled8151replies.docxKeithston Ferguson
1:31pmApr 6 at 1:31pm
The text explains, “The ethic of justice, from either a traditional or contemporary perspective, may take into account a wide variety of issues. Viewing ethical dilemmas from this vantage point, one may ask questions related to the rule of law and the more abstract concepts of fairness, equity, and justice (Shapiro and Stefkovich, 12).
That stated, If Case 11.4 occurred some 50 (or even 25 years) ago. The mitigating circumstances would have been different. (Notwithstanding cells phones and passwords didn’t exist 50 years ago. However, the right to privacy and public/varying perspective of alternative lifestyles did).
Accordingly, the text explains “in the 21st century, as society becomes even more demographically diverse, educators will, more than ever, need to be able to develop, foster, and lead tolerant and democratic schools” (Shapiro 3).That stated if Mr. Patel was put on paid leave the right decision was made.
It must be considered, this case resulted from Mr. Patel’s negligence. (He was irresponsible because he left his cell phone, unlocked in a classroom accessible to teenagers). Although this was a mistake, it exposed his students to compromising pictures of him and his partner. It’s almost like leaving a lit cigarette unattended around underaged children (or perhaps a loaded handgun.) Although both are legally permissible, if left in the wrong hands, the outcome could be very dangerous.
Additionally based on the facts presented it appears Mr. Patel did indeed lose control of his classroom. However, a distinction should be made between control of the students and control of the student’s opinions about Mr. Patel’s lifestyle. While it is almost impossible to control the opinions of others, it may have been possible for Mr. Patel to regain control of the class if the right steps and help were implemented. For example, corrective disciplinary measures could have been taken against the student/s who opened the phone, sharing its contents, violating Mr. Patel's privacy.
Thus by taking corrective disciplinary actions, the principal may have been able to restore order by dealing with each person in this scenario who errored.
Lastly, this case does not appear to be a matter of safety. However, if there were some specific instances in which Mr. Wilson said or did something inappropriate with a student then it should have been reported. However, tutoring a student of the opposite or same-sex isn't a safety violation by any means.
In this case, Mr. Patel did not break any laws. However, he did unwittingly (but negligently) expose his students to compromising his private life. At the same time, his students did willfully and deliberately violate the privacy of their teacher. Therefore, the ethics of justice would hold the sword of justice pointing in two directions, cutting appropriately wherever wrongdoing was done.
7:22amApr 6 at 7:22am
Case Study 10.4 evaluates the topic of confidentiality between school counselors and their students and challenges readers to use a multiple paradigm approach to solve this ethical dilemma. Like any person confiding in a psychotherapist, students have the right to confidentiality. Confidentiality is a vital part of psychology’s ethical code (American Psychological Association, 2019). While the trusted relationship between patient and therapist is foundational, in some states, it is acceptable for counselors to inform parents if a child is engaging in “risky activities” (American Psychological Association, 2019).
In Case Study 10.4, Danielle Schaeffer is facing an ethical dilemma. This writer’s first question would be, does the school have any policies regarding this situation? Does the principal have a right to know? Does Schaeffer have the right to protect the student’s privacy? When it comes to working with minors, this writer believes it is always best to start with a legal basis. What is law or school policy? Are there any types of informed consent waivers signed by parents, students, or the school? Next, the writer suggests evaluating the situation through the lens of the ethic of care. Based on the context provided in Case Study 10.4, it sounds like the student is a part of a vulnerable teenage population. Schaeffer has every right to handle this situation and his hard-earned trust with care.
Question number five asks, “In what situations would it be in the students’ best interest to break their trust?” (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016). Again, referring back to the American Psychological Association, the answer is when minors are engaging in risky behaviors. This writer’s next question is: What defines risky behavior? If a student intends to harm themselves or others or someone has abused them, it is right and just for a teacher or therapist to break confidentiality; however, it is not clear if a potential teenage pregnancy is considered risky behavior or not. According to Shapiro and Stefkovich (2016), “a psychologist’s primary obligation is to maintain the privacy of the client unless there is imminent danger to the client or another individual” (p. 180). Schaeffer must now determine if her value of confidentiality is worth fighting for at the risk of her job. From a biblical perspective, there is value in keeping privacy and not slandering or gossiping about anyone else. Psalm 101:5 says, “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate” (New International Version, 1973/2011).
References
American Psychological Association. (2019, October 19). Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality. https://www.apa.org/topics/ethics/confidentiality
New International Version. (2011). Biblia. https://biblia.com/bible/niv2011/psalm/101/5 (Original work published 1973).
Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A. (2016). Ethical leadership and decision making in education (4th edition). Taylor & Francis.
