. . . Missing from the discussions in the August [1989] issue on academic ethics are infringements on students' right of privacy. Though grades are strictly between the professor and the student, some academics post grades in public places. That's illegal. Others post grades by student ID number. Many do not return student papers, but leave them in a box in the corridor for anyone to see, or for some students to sort and steal for their files. Few take the trouble to ask students to provide a self-addressed envelope for papers to be mailed back at the end of term, even though the educational materials postage rate is extremely cheap.

As for an academic Code of Ethics, if you can't legislate morality, how can ethics be enforced? There are laws against sexual and ethnic harassment and against discrimination of any kind. The only legal discrimination left is that a professor may still flunk someone who is stupid, even if she is black, Jewish, and female. Of course, it might be the professor's fault for failing to teach effectively. Fortunately (or unfortunately) sloppy scholarship, poor preparation, tardiness, and misinformation are not unethical; they're simply unprofessional. Writing that Academic Code of Ethics would make even AAUP authors blanch. Imagine being sued, not for sexual harassment or plagiarism, but for not being current on your subject! Sign up for malpractice insurance now!