Case 100. Student Confidentiality

Situation

Ilene Dover, an untenured assistant professor, confronts Al B. Sure, a senior colleague, about leaving his students graded term papers on a chair outside his office. Professor Dover informs Professor Sure that this is a breach of student confidentiality and a violation of the ASA Code of Ethics. He tells her to mind her own business and that this is the most expeditious and convenient way to return papers. Professor Dover threatens to file an ethical complaint with COPE if he persists. He then threatens to vote against her reappointment if she files.

Questions

What should Professor Dover do?


     Reflect on the above questions and form your own answers before clicking the Discussion key to review the commentary provided with this case.

Discussion

Professor Dover may ask the department chair to resolve the ethical issue. (Perhaps she should have originally asked the chair to settle the matter while protecting her confidentiality instead of confronting Sure directly). Nevertheless, if the issue remains unresolved, Professor Dover should file a complaint with COPE. She is protected by the Code and may not be treated unfairly because of her having made a complaint.