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September 20, 2011
The push by some economists for a code of ethics, and how that might have better labeled Zimbalist's work for Forest City Ratner
Atlantic Yards Report
There's a move afoot for a code, as some 300 economists have signed a letter [PDF] to the president of the American Economic Association calling for the group to adopt a code of ethics. That is apparently under study.
The proposal:
More specifically we propose that the AEA adopt a code modeled on that of the American Sociological Association. This code could state that: “Economists should maintain the highest degree of integrity in their professional work and avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflict. Moreover, economists should disclose relevant sources of financial support and relevant personal or professional relationships that may have the appearance or potential for a conflict of interest in public speeches and writing, as well as in academic publications.”
I didn't see the name of Smith College sports economist Andrew Zimbalist as among the signatories of the letter [PDF], but I didn't see some other prominent sports economists either.
Zimbalist's disclosure
Of course, everyone knows Zimbalist was paid by Forest City Ratner for the study he wrote, right? Maybe--it was in the press--but maybe not.
It's notable that the document, below, actually doesn't disclose that. FCR VP Jim Stuckey claimed at a 5/4/04 City Council hearing, "It is really not our report, it is Professor Zimbalist’s report."
That report has a few other problems, too.
Posted by eric at September 20, 2011 12:11 PM