Ethical Dilemmas: How can you make an
ETHICAL and EFECTIVE decision?
Dilemma #1
Matthew, a high school senior and star member of the football team, is being
pressured by friends to take part in a major senior prank that involves
putting glue in the door locks of classrooms. He is widely popular, and
despite feeling uncomfortable with the prank, is leaning towards
participating. What are the steps he can take to make an ethical and
effective decision?
Dilemma #2
Julie, a high school junior, is on a cruise with her family and good friend,
Amy. The two week cruise suddenly seems very long when Amy starts to be
negative and angry. Amy snaps multiple times at Julie, and starts insulting
their mutual acquaintances behind their back. Amy is very emotional and
volatile. Julie has not seen this side of Amy before and doesn’t know how to
respond. Should she call Amy on her behavior, risking the friendship? Or,
should she remain frustrate for the remainder of the trip? What are the
steps he can take to make an ethical and effective decision?
Dilemma #3
Mark and John are officers in ASB in charge of electoral vote counting.
After counting the votes that declare their friend, Michelle, as homecoming
queen, they discover that they made an error that will award the honor to
Maggie, someone they do NOT like. Nobody will know if they do not disclose
the dilemma. Should they disclose the results? Or, should they award
Maggie, despite not liking her. What are the steps they can take to make an
ethical and effective decision?
Dilemma #4
Martha and Julie have been good friends since elementary school. Martha
loves Julie, but is concerned when Julie starts smoking pot regularly. She
learns that Julie has been stealing money out of purses and backpacks in the
locker room to support her drug habit. Should Martha report Julie to her
teacher? Confront Julie? What are the steps he can take to make an ethical
and effective decision?