Ethical Guidance

Guidance on ethical practices of the museum and archaeological professions, HCA’s Collections Policy, and State law and Merit Rules governing ethical conduct is provided to employees of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and our constituents through the following links and information.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Code of Ethics

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Collections Policy

The American Alliance of Museums’ Code of Ethics for Museums

The Society for Historical Archaeology’s Ethical Principles

The Society for American Archaeology’s Ethical Principles

The Register of Professional Archaeologists Code of Conduct

Delaware law pertaining to Prohibitions Relating to Conflicts of Interest, Title 29 Delaware Code Section 5805, and Code of Conduct, Title 29 Delaware Code Section 5806 may be viewed here.

The State of Delaware’s policy on “Dual Employment” as codified in State of Delaware Merit Rules Section 4.3 states the following:

4.3 Dual Employment. Employees covered by FLSA shall be permitted to accept additional employment in another State agency with prior written consent of the affected agencies. Overtime eligibility shall be based on the FLSA.

The State of Delaware’s policy on “Outside Employment and Pecuniary Interests” as codified in State of Delaware Merit Rules Section 15.2 states the following:

15.2 Outside Employment and Pecuniary Interests

  • 15.2.1 An employee in the classified service shall not engage in any outside employment or other outside activity incompatible with the proper discharge of the responsibilities of his or her position. It shall be deemed incompatible with such discharge of responsibilities for an employee to accept any fee, compensation, gift, payment of expenses or any other thing of monetary value under circumstances in which acceptance may result in a conflict with his/her public duties.
  • 15.2.2 An employee in the classified service shall not have a personal interest in any business transaction within his area of influence in State Government nor shall he/she have any private business relationship that may conflict with his/her public duties. This restriction shall not prohibit, however:
  • 15.2.3 Ownership of corporate stocks and bonds bought and sold on the public market.
  • 15.2.4 Receipt of bona fide reimbursement for actual travel expense and other necessary subsistence for which government payment or reimbursement is made.
  • 15.2.5 Participation in the affairs of charitable, religious, non-profit education, public service or civic organizations, or the activities of national or state political parties not prohibited in 15.3.
  • 15.2.6 Awards for meritorious public contributions given by public service or civic organizations.