Professional Ethics

The Department of History at Illinois values and expects high standards of ethical conduct in all our relationships, among all students, faculty, and staff members. Our goal is to nurture a diverse, welcoming, and motivating environment for work and study, without restrictions or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, social class or status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, political affiliation, veteran status, age, or disability. Discrimination and harassment are unethical, unprofessional, a threat to academic freedom, an abuse of power, a harm to individuals' lives, and often unlawful. It is a violation of professional standards to take actions that prevent or impair another individual's full enjoyment of educational or workplace rights, benefits, or opportunities. Violations should be brought to the attention of appropriate departmental officers: the DGS and/or Department Chair, and the officers of the HGSA. University officials include the Title IX and Disability Office, the Office of Access and Equity, and the Women's Resources Center, all of which offer confidential reporting and handling of individual cases. Please, do not be silent or silenced.

For a statement on ethical standards in the history profession, please see the policies of the American Historical Association


Concerning issues of sexual misconduct and harassment: important resources, support, and information—both confidential and non-confidential (mandatory reporting)—can be found at www.wecare.illinois.edu.  Please also consult the Student Code.

Concerning issues of discrimination: important information, resources, and reporting tools at https://oae.illinois.edu/discrimination-and-harrassment-prevention.html