Page 11 - Inquiring into the Ethical Dimensions of Professional Practice

Vignette 4: Burden of Silence
I was phoned by a colleague who disclosed to me that (s)he had been engaged in a sexual relationship with a very recent graduate from our school. My dilemma was whether or not to go to the administration with the details. As it turned out, it all came to light the next day. As the school began investigating, this colleague emailed and phoned me asking for information on what was being asked and said at the school regarding the case. I refused comment. This burden of silence was overwhelming for me. I called in sick for several days and found it extremely difficult to engage with colleagues at the school throughout the investigation process. I continually reflected on the same question: What support could help me to more effectively and professionally respond to this situation and the burden of silence associated with it?
Ethical Inquiry Cycle
Ethical Inquiry Dialogic Process
After reading the vignette, educators are invited to engage in critical reflection and dialogue related to the following ethical inquiry process:
1. Experience: Identify the ethical challenge(s), issue(s) or dimensions inherent within this vignette.
2. Reflection: Critically reflect on the underlying values or assumptions that are influencing the professional practices in this vignette.
3. Critical Analysis: Critically analyze this vignette through the ethics of Care, Respect, Trust and Integrity.
4. New Perspectives and Insights: Identify new insights or understandings have been gained from reading this vignette?
Ethical Knowledge and Action
Generate suggestions for enhancing the ethical awareness, sensitivity and ethical efficacy of the educators in this vignette?
Inquiring into the Ethical Dimensions of Professional Practice 9