2 Institutional Code of Ethics

Date of Approval: XXXX

Mission: To serve the public as an inclusive center for object based learning and research regarding the human condition across space and time.

Vision: To foster a humanistic appreciation of cultural diversity by creating opportunities for object based experiential learning and investigation.

Values: To foster inclusivity and respectful dialogue about the worlds cultures by training the next generation of museum professionals.

Background

The University Museum was established in 1961 with a mission to serve as: “1) a depository of knowledge and objects to be found in a general museum, 2) an aid to instruction, 3) an aid of research, and 4) an aid to the state University in its service to the State of New Mexico” (Camien, n.d.). In 1981, the University Museum moved to Kent Hall where it remains today (Baker 1997). The Cultural Resources Management Division operated out of the second floor of Kent Hall for many years.

Guiding Principles

The University Museum holds objects in public trust for the state of New Mexico. Museum Exponents shall take on this role as a solemn responsibility, and in doing so place the interests of the public above the interests of institution or any individual. In carrying out their duties, Exponents shall commit to engaging in open, honest, and trustworthy conduct. General ethical principles apply to University Museum Exponents.

Ethical Duties and Organizational Values

University Museum Exponents shall act both legally and ethically. Exponents are bound by applicable cultural property law including, but not limited to:

Antiquities Act of 1906 (54 U.S.C. §§320301-320303)
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 USC 1b §§470aa-470mm)
Native American Graves and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 USC 32 §§3001-3013)
New Mexico Cultural Properties Protection Act (§§18-6A-1 through 6)

While the law sets minimum standards of acceptable conduct, it may fall short of ethical standards. Exponents shall make decisions based on adherence to both legal and ethical principles. Museum Exponents have an ethical duty to commit to reading, understanding, and abiding by the American Alliance of Museums Pledge of Excellence (AAM 2018) and Code of Ethics for Museums (AAM 2017), the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries Code of Ethics (AAMG 2021), and NMSU ARP §3.00 (NMSU 2017).

Governance Authority and Responsibility

The University Museum is part of the New Mexico State University Department of Anthropology and is administratively supported by it. University Museum Staff and Volunteers are immediately supervised by the University Museum Curator. The Curator is immediately supervised by the University Museum Director. The Director and Curator are both immediately supervised by the Anthropology Department Head. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, the University Museum is also overseen and supported by the Associate Dean for Research, College of Arts and Sciences Dean, the Vice President for Research, and the Provost. The University Museum is ultimately governed by the university’s Board of Regents.

Conflicts of Interest

Exponents of the University Museum shall commit to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all operations. Exponents have a duty to recognize and resolve conflicts of interest. When actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest arise, Exponents are duty bound to remain loyal to the Mission of the University Museum and the public it serves. No Exponent may use their position in the University Museum for personal gain or benefit at the expense of the University Museum, its Mission, reputation, and society that it serves.

Exponents are duty bound to consider conflicts of interest that arise in domains including but not limited to: affiliations with other institutions; business dealings outside of the museum; dealing in objects of material culture, particularly if they overlap with museum collections; disclosure of information about the museum or its collections that is private and privileged; receipt of gifts or favors on behalf of the museum, or as a museum representative; loans of objects either incoming or outgoing; outside employment while serving as a museum Exponent; outside volunteer exercise; personal collecting, particularly if it overlaps with museum collections; political activity and public issues that may impact either the museum or the public it serves; purchase of museum property, including associations with the vendor; referrals related to museum activities; use of museum assets; use of confidential museum information; and use of museum’s name. In such situations, Exponents are duty bound by ethical Guiding Principles to put the interests of the public and the institution before their own personal interests.

Collection

In dealing with the museum’s colllections, University Museum Exponents must adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards. This includes legal and ethical issues related to: acquisition objects for the collection; deaccession & disposal of objects from the collection; care and preservation as well as conservation of all museum collections; appraisals of museum collections; addressing restitution and claims of ownership; cultural property; and truth in presentation.

Acquisition

When considering the acquisition of, or acquiring, objects for any University Museum collection, Exponents of the museum must adhere legal standards and ethical best practices. These principles apply to commissions, purchases, and receipt of gifts.

Deaccession & Disposal

The University Museum limits the use of funds that are derived from deaccessioning objects in the permanent collection to either 1) acquire new objects for accession or 2) the direct care and conservation of accessioned objects in the permanent collection.