Conflict of Interest Policy
Members of the Council of the American Sociological Association (“ASA”), the Finance Committee, and key employees each have an affirmative obligation to act at all times in the best interests of ASA. This policy serves to define the term “conflict of interest,” to assist members of the Council, Finance Committee, and key employees in identifying and disclosing such conflicts, and to minimize the impact of such conflicts on the actions of ASA whenever possible. (Collectively, this policy will refer to members of the Council, Finance Committee, and key employees as “Covered Officials.”)
Fiduciary duty. Each Covered Official has a fiduciary duty to conduct himself or herself without conflict to the interests of ASA. When acting within his or her capacity as a Covered Official, he or she must subordinate personal, business, third-party, and other interests to the welfare and best interests of ASA.
Conflict of interest defined. A “conflict of interest” is any transaction or relationship which presents, or may present, a conflict between a Covered Official’s obligations to ASA and his or her personal, business, or other interests.
Disclosure. The Council recognizes that conflicts of interest are not uncommon, and that not all conflicts of interest are necessarily harmful to ASA. However, the Council requires full disclosure of all actual and potential conflicts of interest. Each Covered official shall disclose any and all facts that may be construed as a conflict of interest, both through an annual disclosure process and whenever such actual or potential conflict occurs.
Process and remedy. The Council will determine whether or not a conflict of interest exists, and whether or not such conflict materially and adversely affects the interests of ASA. A Covered Official whose potential conflict is under review may not debate, vote, or otherwise participate in such determination. If the Council determines that an actual or potential conflict of interest does exist, the Council shall also determine an appropriate remedy. Such remedy may include, for example, the recusal of the conflicted Covered Official from participating in certain matters pending before the Council or other ASA body.
Annual disclosure process. On an annual basis, each Covered Official shall be provided with a copy of this policy, and shall complete and sign the acknowledgement and disclosure form.
Annual Statement of Disclosure
I have read the Conflict of Interest Policy of ASA.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, neither I or any person or organization with whom I have a personal or business relationship is engaged in any transaction or activity that may represent a conflict with my obligations to ASA.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, neither I or any person or organization with whom I have a personal or business relationship intends to engage in any transaction, to acquire any interest in any organization or entity, or to receive any substantial gift or favor that may represent a conflict with my obligations to ASA.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, I do not expect to receive compensation from ASA (other than salary as an ASA employee, if applicable), or to receive in excess of $10,000 from ASA for services I provide to ASA as an independent contractor, other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, no member of my family expects to receive any compensation or material financial benefit from ASA.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, I have no family relationship or business relationship with any current member of the Council or any key employee of ASA.
Any exception to the statements made herein are disclosed in full below.
