COUNSELOR: Doing her job

My name is Megan Dardis-Kunz and I am a resident of Coeur d’Alene. I am also a Licensed Master Social Worker in Idaho and have been a professional social worker for 14 years.

I am sending this email in support of Mrs. Franklin, Counselor at Northwest Expedition Academy. While I am not privy to the exact conversations between Mrs. Franklin and the young student, what I do know is that anyone in the helping professions that is following their professional code of ethics along with the code of conduct of their licensing body needs to be supported. They need to be supported against the bigotry, the homophobia, and the hateful rhetoric that has been spewed at her on the basis of being an ethical counselor.

I have been inclined to write this letter of support since I read the hateful rhetoric on the MassResistance website against this counselor. After reading the article Sunday in the Coeur d’Alene Press, I knew I needed to say something.

I implore you to continue your support of Mrs. Franklin. If we don’t stand up to this behavior it will continue to be acceptable for community members to attempt to direct the care provided by those in helping professions. We’ve already seen what has happened to the medical community related to this behavior.

MEGAN DARDIS-KUNZ, LMSW, MSW

Coeur d’Alene