Ethics Scenario #51: Hanson-Smith University

51. Harley is a megadonor to the Hanson-Smith University. He asks the development officer soliciting him, Christine, about whether Harley’s nephew’s application to attend the university has been accepted, rejected, or accepted for attendance at a less prestigious satellite campus. Christine knows quite well that rejecting Harley’s nephew’s application will result in a decreased annual gift from him. And she knows that the process of accepting and rejecting applications is ongoing, and will not become public for several weeks. She agrees to intercede on behalf of Harley and pledges to communicate to her boss that Harley’s donation might be enhanced with a positive response to his nephew’s application for admission.

a. Is Christine being ethical by agreeing to communicate this information to her institution?

b. Is the institution being ethical if it is influenced by such a communication?