Julie Ann took the “high road” to maturity. Black lipstick and nail polish, black lace dress, half of her purple-haired head was shaved, skull tattoo just slightly above the collar, and of course, she drives an old hearse. She lived with her grandmother, Martha. Martha was determined her granddaughter would go to college. Julie Ann’s only choice was mortuary school. Julie Ann’s grade average was marginal and during matriculation, the Dean of the mortuary school mentioned that the core curriculum would be challenging and gracefully noted that many of the hiring funeral homes would desire someone a bit more “conservative” in their appearance. The mortuary school knowing that the state had a character and fitness requirement has a clear statement that “all successful school applicants” will be required to reveal any past instances that may reflect on “moral turpitude”. The application goes on further to explain and give examples. Julie Ann wrote “NA” and “none” in the blanks on the application.
Not to be deterred by the school’s admittance application, Julie Ann began her studies in earnest. Although not a stellar student, she did alright, even in Embalming Chemistry. Her best scores were in Funeral Law & Ethics.
In her state, there is a mandatory background check and statements of character and fitness which are to be completed and sent into the State Board by people who know her well and who can speak on her behalf. Unfortunately, Julie Ann was caught for retail theft at age 18 for a designer purse valued at over $500. Normally, this is a misdemeanor that offers first-time offenders conditional discharge with six months probation, but due to extenuations, she was not offered this deal. Julie Ann pleaded guilty, paid her fines, and completed 100 hours of restitution as a landscaper at the local municipal cemetery, no less. Unfortunately for Julie Ann, this crime cannot be expunged for ten years beyond the date of completion of all sentencing requirements. She was not a minor, so the conviction was not sealed.
One of her best friends volunteered to complete a character and fitness statement for her, but in doing so informed the committee to “check a certain website” as they may find some interesting photos of Julie Ann. Yup, Julie Ann has some rather revealing tattoos in some private places, and these tattoos send a message not consistent with “sex, drugs, and rock-in-roll” as a lifestyle.
You’ve met Julie Ann and although your opinion is that while she’s not quite ready for the Ladies Auxiliary, she’s not a “bad seed” either. Julie Ann, always pleasant to talk to, likable, and generous, has a long row to hoe, but mortuary school has matured her considerably.
Upon application to the State Boards for her exams (note this is not the same application as completed previously, the first application was to the school, this application is to the State Board), the Board’s application demands a full account of all activities that may reflect on the applicant’s moral turpitude. Knowingly and willingly lying or covering up about activities that are discovered by the Board and not revealed, will automatically disqualify the candidate. What should Julie Ann do?
ISSUE
The issue is “whether retail theft and compromising photos on the Internet may act as failures to moral character and fitness requirements for a state funeral practitioner licensing?”
QUESTIONS
Moral character – we know it when we see it, who defines it? Does the definition of acceptable moral character change over time? What happens when we disagree with moral character? As a funeral practitioner, readying for exams and licensure, you will be judged rather closely on your moral character. This moral character carries over into your professional life. What are some of these characters that make you “moral?’
Guidelines
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length, reflecting on the prompt above.