Some ignorant suggestions about SWC and Monsanto (ignorant because I haven't read everything in the thread, and am wading in where I haven't been asked to do so)
Here are some problems that I think I have captured, and my (personal opinions) Problem 1: Ethical concerns of working with Monsanto (or any organization) Principles we might think about: * Instructors should only choose to volunteer to teach at whatever institutions don't run askance of their own ethics/morality (seems like several already have volunteered for Monsanto, but limiting our discussion to any one company/institution would not serve us well) * SWC will only work with hosts who adhere to our code of conduct http://software-carpentry.org/conduct.html * SCF should have an ethics committee that deals ad hoc with issues like this * Partnership and Affiliation have some connotation of 'approving' of a partner's mission/vision - new partners should be looked at by the ethics committee; partners that don't pass unanimously (or who are viewed to be controversial) should be held to a vote by the members (e.g. members shape our ethical outlook) Problem 2: Payments and pricing for large companies and partners My flat-out opinions: * I think everything should cost-what-it-costs; we may charge less (fee waivers for valid candidates), but I am against charging more * SWC is/and should be considering what special teaching arrangements might be suited for 'wealthy partners.' Again, this is us making a new product, that is worth more, so it costs more. Going forward, having discussions like this are great, because there are plenty of opportunities to make polices that reflect not just what we do, but how we want it done. Some policies are internal, some public, but they are part of a maturing, thoughtful organization - makes me want to try using ethics in my life-dealings one day. Finally, I don't think I'm even on this mailing list, so if you object, I won't hear you. Greg can you add me? - Jason Jason Williams Lead - iPlant Collaborative: Education, Outreach, Training DNA Learning Center Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 1 Bungtown Rd. Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 516-367-5186<tel:516-367-5186> www.dnalc.org<http://www.dnalc.org/>
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