Code of Conduct and Ethics

Introduction

Our Editorial Code of Conduct and Ethics is a statement of SHARIAsource’s practices, how we operate, and what members of our community can expect from each other. It reflects – and implements – our commitment to a culture of academic inquiry, honesty, integrity, and accountability. This Code of Conduct and Ethics offers editors guidance and outlines what is expected of them while affiliated with SHARIAsource. Because no code or policy can anticipate every situation that may arise, personal judgment must be relied upon to determine the appropriate actions required to adhere to the spirit of this document.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all editors of SHARIAsource. In addition, individuals that represent SHARIAsource to the public are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct and Ethics and any applicable contractual provisions when working on behalf of SHARIAsource.

All who represent SHARIAsource are expected to act in a manner that will enhance SHARIAsource’s reputation for honesty, integrity and reliability.

What We Aim For

We co-create an academically rigorous and healthy environment that is conducive to productive discussion and allows us all to exercise self-expression, innovative thinking, and full participation in community dialogue, guided by the following principles. SHARIAsource and its editors are guided by the following principles:

Freedom of Academic Expression

Editors are encouraged to write, edit, innovate, act, and lead with passion, energy, intelligence and respect for others.

Respect for Varying Opinions

We recognize the dignity of all individuals and respect and trust that we will have different opinions on important subjects.

Productive and Respectful Discourse

We work to provide a discursive environment in which all are free to participate without fear of hostility, discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. SHARIAsource will not tolerate discrimination, including age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or marital status.

Fundamental Guidelines of Ethical Behavior

Integrity and Responsibility

SHARIAsource’s reputation of credibility, integrity and trust has been built on a foundation of strong academic values, high ethical standards, and lawful conduct. Editors should uphold high academic standards and comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Compliance with Law

Editors are required to comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, this Code of Conduct and Ethics and SHARIAsource policies. Editors have a duty to inform themselves of any laws relevant to their particular activities. If any uncertainty arises as to whether a course of action is within the letter and spirit of the law, editors should seek advice from SHARIAsource staff.

Confidential Information

Editors must comply with relevant SHARIAsource policy regarding confidential information. Confidential information includes all non-public information—written, verbal or electronic—that might be of use to competitors or might be harmful to SHARIAsource, its contributors or its community if disclosed. Editors who leave SHARIAsource have an ongoing obligation to keep such information confidential.

Guidelines for Public Interfacing

Media Statements: Do not make statements on behalf of SHARIAsource to the media, whether oral or in writing, unless you have been authorized to do so in accordance with the Social Media Policy or as otherwise approved by SHARIAsource staff.

Speaking Engagements: Do not accept an engagement to speak publicly as a representative of SHARIAsource, or on SHARIAsource’s behalf, without first obtaining written authorization from SHARIAsource staff. However, when you are speaking in an individual capacity, you are free to mention your affiliation with SHARIAsource.

Affiliate Disclaimer: When listing an affiliation with SHARIAsource on any social media or blogging account, editors should be sure to make clear that the views expressed are theirs alone and do not represent the views of SHARIAsource, its contributors, or its affiliates.

Social Media Policy 

The purpose of SHARIAsource’s Social Media Policy is to establish prudent and acceptable practices regarding the use of social media sites and to educate individuals who use social media sites of the responsibilities associated with such use.

Any questions regarding the use of social media should be directed to SHARIAsource staff. All editors are required to read, understand and adhere to the Social Media Policy.

Enforcement Procedures

Ethical principles are often easy to state but difficult to apply. Nonetheless, living up to this Code of Conduct and Ethics must be integral to your work with SHARIAsource. Integrity is not an occasional requirement. It erodes when it is not reinforced by practice and weakens if it is not continually and consistently applied to all situations. SHARIAsource will consider taking action for violations of this Code on a case-by-case basis, up to and including termination of affiliation.

SHARIAsource expects you to be guided by this Code, by SHARIAsource policies and procedures, by your personal sense of right and wrong, and by asking follow-up questions. What is my responsibility? In most situations, there is a shared responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved and discuss the situation.

References and Links to Other Policies