Policy Title

Ethical Principles for South Carolina State Government Service 

Serving the public as an employee of South Carolina State Government requires an appreciation for and dedication to the basic principles of integrity, honesty, respect for others, fairness, and accountability. These principles are fundamental in providing good government and advancing the public interest and are central to and implicit in any personal, professional, or agency code of ethical conduct. 

Because protecting the public trust and strengthening public confidence in Government requires the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, State employees have an obligation to apply these ethical principles in their individual job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity: State employees should adhere to a personal code of conduct which supports the moral values necessary for good Government and advances the purpose and mission of the State, their profession, and their agency.

Honesty: State employees should be truthful and sincere in all their interactions with the public and with each other. They should avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing and should confront and challenge unethical behavior. 

Respect for Others: State employees should discharge their duties with care, compassion, and concern for the well-being of all those who serve. They should recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, social, or economic status. 

Fairness: State employees should make decisions in a fair, objective, and impartial manner. 

Accountability: State employees should take responsibility for their own actions and personal decisions and protect the public trust by upholding the constitutions and laws of the United States of America and the State of South Carolina. 

See the policy on Faculty Ethics