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GSA Adopts New Code of Ethics

& Professional Conduct

On 21 Sept. 2019, the GSA Council approved a new Code of determining whether the code has been violated and, if so, what
Ethics & Professional Conduct. This new ethics policy replaces corrective action is appropriate.
GSA’s Code of Conduct, which was put in place in the 1990s. It So far, the new code has been well received. As GSA member
was developed in response to a 2017 decision by GSA leadership, Wendy Bohon writes, “I believe that having a code of conduct is
under then GSA President Isabel Montañez, to form an ad hoc critical for a healthy organization. By articulating our values, expec-
committee to evaluate GSA’s ethics policies and practices in light tations and accountabilities we reinforce and encourage respectful,
of high-profile ethics cases in many scientific fields. According to inclusive, collaborative meetings and workspaces. A code of con-
Dr. Montañez, “As a premier society for professional geoscientists, duct doesn’t just lay out expectations for behavior, although it cer-
GSA saw a pressing need to establish enforceable ethics stan- tainly does that as well, it shows an organization’s commitment to
dards—not only to provide for accountability, but to set a positive the safety, dignity and well-being of its members. All of these ele-
example for the geoscience profession overall.” ments are necessary for producing the rich, outstanding science that
GSA’s new code sets forth enforceable standards of conduct for comes from a broad and diverse set of scientists where everyone is
all GSA members and aspirational standards that embody GSA’s able to perform to their full potential.”
goal of fostering a culture of integrity across the geosciences. Many For further information about GSA’s Code of Ethics &
GSA members and staff contributed to this effort over the past two Professional Conduct and other ethics resources, check GSA’s
years, including an 11-person ad hoc ethics committee and a seven- ethics homepage by navigating to the “About” tab on GSA’s
person ad hoc code of ethics drafting committee. In addition, GSA website, https://www.geosociety.org. You also may submit an
received 120 comments from members on an early draft before the email to ethics@geosociety.org.
code was finalized. Our members’ input was invaluable; it enabled
us to create a streamlined policy to address the most critical ethics
and compliance issues facing our scientific community.
More detailed policies on specific topics, including GSA’s Events
Code of Conduct and the Ethical Guidelines for Publication, support Being a member of a professional society inherently
our new code. While both these policies apply to GSA members indicates that we, as individuals, are professionals.
and non-members who participate in GSA-sponsored activities and Professionalism means conducting oneself with responsi-
publications, our new Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct only bility, integrity, accountability, and excellence at all times.
applies to GSA members. “Our new ethics policy reflects expecta- If our behavior isn’t ethical, then we aren’t an ethical pro-
tions of professional conduct,” says GSA’s executive director, Vicki fession. A lack of ethics erodes not only our standing as a
McConnell. “GSA now has clearly defined standards of professional scientific society, but also the integrity of science. GSA’s
conduct as guidance for our members regardless of the professional new Code of Ethics affirms that by virtue of GSA member-
setting or location, even if the activity is not sponsored by GSA.” ship, we extend and expect professional conduct in every
In adopting the new code, GSA’s leaders recognized the critical aspect of conducting science. Congrats GSA on this vital
importance of having a fair process for resolving allegations of step forward!
misconduct. “GSA takes all ethics complaints seriously,” says
GSA’s current president, Don Siegel, “but we also need to protect Monica E. Gowan
members through the use of reasonable due process and confiden- GSA Fellow
tiality procedures.” To that end, GSA’s Policy & Procedures for Former GSA Councilor
Handling Potential Ethical Violations sets forth specific rules to Former Officer, Geology and Health Division
process ethics complaints to ensure fairness, confidentiality, Past Chair, GSA Geology and Public Policy Committee
and consistency. Ultimately, the GSA Council is responsible for

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