In 2009, Julea Ward, a teacher and an evangelical Christian, was studying for a master\u2019s degree in counseling at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. As part of her training, she was required to treat clients, and she expressed her reluctance to work with any who were in same-sex relationships. A professor, heeding Ms. Ward\u2019s wishes, referred a gay client to another counselor.<\/p>\n
That seemingly simple request became a problem for Ms. Ward when the university expelled her for having made it. Ms. Ward sued, and her case raises the question of whether a counselor\u2019s religious convictions can disqualify her from the profession.<\/p>\n
A federal court dismissed Ms. Ward\u2019s claim of religious discrimination. But on Jan. 27, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ordered the lower court to rehear the case, finding that Eastern Michigan \u201ccannot point to any written policy that barred Ward from requesting this referral.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n