July 13, 2004

Emory releases draft Code of Ethics

President James Wagner today released a draft version of Emory's proposed Code of Ethics. It is requested that feedback on the draft statement be sent to Gary Hauk, Secretary of the University, before September 15.

Emory University is an inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community, committed to fostering openness of thought, experience, and culture; to building on a heritage of engaging knowledge and faith; to enhancing the environment through innovative stewardship; to instilling integrity and honor; and to nurturing and celebrating an unusual degree of collegiality and community. All of these commitments will be exercised in a fair, honest, and open manner and with respect for the rights and dignity of all persons.

The University has a three-part mission: teaching, research, and service, including health care. The fundamental relationships upon which this University is based are those among students, teachers, researchers, patients and their families, and service professionals. While fulfilling its mission, Emory will protect those relationships from exploitation for purely personal gain or base motives.

Emory University is committed to fostering and maintaining mutual respect and tolerance for all members of the community. Each member of the Emory community takes responsibility for respecting the rights and dignity of others, for treating others fairly, and for striving for honesty in all of our relationships.

Lying, cheating, plagiarism, deliberate misrepresentation, theft, scientific fraud, dishonesty or ill use of our fellow human beings will not be tolerated. The University’s resources--and resources entrusted to Emory that belong to others--are to be protected from misappropriation in all forms.

All conflicts of interest on the part of faculty, staff, students, trustees, and the University as a whole are to be promptly and openly identified and disclosed, and appropriate steps are to be taken either to eliminate the conflicts or to ensure they do not compromise the integrity of individuals or of the University.

Finally, while compliance with all legal requirements is of paramount importance and may often overlap with ethical behavior, we understand that ethical behavior remains quite distinct from the law, and we must never lose sight of “doing the right thing,” even if there is no governing legal requirement to do so.

[ Posted by Chance Hunter at July 13, 2004 01:49 PM | More General Center for Ethics News articles ]

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