6.4 The Ward v. Wilbanks Case

The Ward v. Wilbanks case is a landmark legal and ethical issue in counseling that underscores the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with professional ethical standards (Burkholder et al., 2014; Ward v. Wilbanks, 2009). Julea Ward, a graduate counseling student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), refused to counsel a client on issues related to same-sex relationships, citing her sincerely held religious beliefs. During a practicum course, Ward asked her supervisor for permission to refer the client to another counselor instead of proceeding with the session. EMU faculty determined that Ward’s refusal violated the ACA Code of Ethics, which mandates that counselors avoid discrimination and work to provide equitable treatment for all clients, regardless of sexual orientation or other characteristics. Consequently, the university expelled Ward from the counseling program.

Ward subsequently filed a lawsuit against EMU, claiming that the university’s decision violated her constitutional rights to free speech and free exercise of religion. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan initially dismissed her claims, stating that the university had a legitimate interest in ensuring that its counseling students adhered to ethical and professional standards. However, the case was later settled in 2012, with EMU agreeing to a financial settlement without admitting wrongdoing.

Lessons for Counseling Students

The Ward v. Wilbanks case offers significant insights for counseling students regarding the interplay between personal values, professional ethics, and client care. Key takeaways include:

1. Adherence to Ethical Standards: Counseling students must understand the importance of adhering to ethical codes and other professional guidelines. These ethical standards protect client welfare and ensure that all individuals receive competent and equitable care. The case demonstrates that personal beliefs, while valid, cannot supersede professional responsibilities.
2. Non-Discrimination in Practice: Ethical codes emphasize the need for counselors to avoid discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other factors. Students must cultivate cultural humility and develop the skills necessary to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, even if doing so challenges their personal beliefs.
3. Managing Value Conflicts: One of the most significant lessons from this case is the need for counselors to manage value conflicts effectively. Ethical codes state that counselors should refrain from imposing values on clients. When a counselor’s values conflict with a client’s needs, the focus should remain on the client’s well-being and autonomy.
4. The Importance of Supervision: Ward sought supervision to address her value conflict, a recommended practice. However, this case highlights the need for supervisors to guide students in understanding how to manage such conflicts consistent with ethical standards. Students should view supervision as an opportunity to navigate challenging situations with professional guidance.
5. Commitment to Professional Development: The case underscores the importance of ongoing professional development and self-reflection for counselors. Students are encouraged to examine their values and beliefs and consider how these may impact their ability to provide effective counseling services. Training programs should include discussions on ethical dilemmas and strategies for managing personal biases.
6. Legal and Career Implications: This case is a cautionary tale about the potential legal and career implications of failing to uphold professional standards. Counseling students must recognize that their actions during training have real-world consequences for their clients and their educational and professional trajectories.
7. Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: The case also highlights the broader societal discussion about balancing individual rights, such as freedom of religion, with the responsibilities inherent in serving a diverse public. Students can learn to navigate these challenges by engaging in open dialogue, seeking diverse perspectives, and remaining committed to their ethical obligations as counselors.