Why it Matters to Me

Written for AAUP Listsrv in response to faculty concerned that the issues surrounding Dr. Wise may huert our efforts in Olympia.

With all due respect to Drs, Lowenberg and Willnyk, I think they do not understand the issues. The last thing we should want from either an ethical or an image point of view is for the public to see UW faculty as willing to set aside academic focus or ethical standards in the pursuit of personal wealth.

These issues are not at all limited to Drs. Wise and Emmert. If faculty administrators claim that their ethical decisions are only subject to review by themselves, these faculty members have exempted themselves from the review process for all faculty, The public does not make distinctions between faculty administrators and the rest of us. If we do not show a concern for our own ethical rules, who should show that concern?

Aside from any public relations associated with their net income and aside from issues related specifically to Nike, such a claim by faculty administrators could undermine the Code. The University of Washington, like any Washington State agency, is required to have its own code of ethics. These codes are usually written by the administration of the agency. As UW faculty, we are very fortunate that our Code is written by ourselves, that is by the Senate. Moreover, the Code is part of Washington State Law and has been enforced by the Washington State Courts.

May I suggest that responsible action by the Faculty, based on a real concern that we serves as loyal employees of an ethical and equitable institution, not in financial jealousy or even dislike for Nike, should enhance our image across the State? We should be seen as setting the standard, not putting it aside.