es underlying the principle and who choose to adhere to them. Their morals are then reflected in their behavior, which can be defined as ethical or unethical depending on whether it adheres to these principles.
Institutions and other organizations often codify these principles into ethical or "professional" standards that reflect the institution's underlying principles. For example, the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) specifically recognizes the distinction between moral principles and ethical standards in its Statement on Ethical Principles and Standards (1992, p. 1). The Statement is divided into an initial section that outlines the moral principles that should guide college personnel administrators and then concludes with a list of more than sixty specific actions college administrators should undertake in situations that raise moral issues.
The principles outlined by the ACPA include the obligation to act for the benefit of others in ways that promote the healthy social, physical, academic, moral, cognitive, career, and personality development of students in ways that bring a developmental perspective to the institution's total educational process and learning environment and contributes to the effective functioning of the institution (ACPA Statement on ethical principles and standards, 1992, p. 1). Administrators are also required to assure a fundamental fairness for all individuals within the academic community by making decisions with impartiality, equity, and reciprocity. The Statement notes that a crucial aspect of promoting justice is demonstrating an appreciation for human differences and opposing intolerance and bigotry concerning these differences, specifically including characteristics such as age, culture, ethnicity, gender, disabling condition, race, religion, or sexual/affectional orientation (ACPA Statement, 1992, p. 1). The Statement also encourages other principles, such as encouraging stu...