Final answer:
The ASCA guidelines stipulate that romantic relationships between school counselors and students are never appropriate, regardless of whether the student is currently attending or has graduated from the school where the counselor works. This stands true for both adolescents and adults, in order to protect students from exploitation and preserve the professional integrity of the school counselor's role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) sets forth guidelines to ensure that ethical and professional behavior is maintained in the context of school counselor-student relationships. When it comes to romantic relationships involving school counselors and students, there are clear boundaries set to maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest, power imbalances, and potential harm to students. According to the ASCA, the following two statements regarding these types of relationships are true:
C. Such a relationship is never appropriate if the student currently attends the school where the counselor works.
D. Such a relationship is never appropriate, even if the student no longer attends the school where the counselor works.
These guidelines are in place to protect students from potential exploitation and to uphold the integrity of the school counselor's role. Educational institutions, like the College of William and Mary, acknowledge the power difference inherent in student-teacher relationships and thus prohibit any sexual contact. These measures aim to prevent situations that might lead to sexual harassment and ensure the well-being and safety of students.