For your professional ethics edification in January

Once a month the ACPE Professional Ethics Commission (PEC) posts a couple of statements from our Code of Professional Ethics for ACPE Members.  Each posting is accompanied by a brief personal reflection from a member of the PEC discussing some ways this person lives these commitments*.  January 2021’s statements are:

1. In relationship to those served, ACPE members:

• Affirm and respect the human dignity and individual worth of each person.

Do not discriminate against anyone because of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religious/spiritual tradition, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Rev. Misti Johnson-Arce, ACPE Certified Educator from Baptist Health South Florida CPE satellite of Advent Health Orlando in Miami, FL, comments:

At a time when there is so much upheaval and division in our nation, I am proud to be a member of an organization that promotes the value of “affirming and respecting the human dignity and individual worth of EACH person” and calls us not to “discriminate”.  We are to teach this to our students and model it through our behavior and interactions with them, with patients, families, and staff members.  I was born with cerebral palsy and grew up in two children’s hospitals.  As a child, I often felt discriminated against and overlooked.  It was not uncommon for people to make incorrect assumptions about my inner strength, capabilities and intelligence. Throughout the years, I have provided hundreds of community service hours working with persons who have special needs and they have taught me so much. At the top of the list, is to appreciate the simple things in life and take nothing for granted. They have helped me hone the skill of gratitude and really understand the values of hospitality and inclusiveness.

This history has shaped the way I teach CPE.  I truly believe that everyone has something to offer, and we can learn from one another. Each student brings experience, worth and value to the learning environment.  Diversity and differences can be impetuses for growth. The challenge before us is to be willing to listen and be open to something new or different rather than condemn, create distance or treat someone unfairly. When we model openness, respect and fairness, we promote a safe environment that helps students be able to be less defensive and more engaging.  

Lastly, the new 8:46 webinar series posted on the ACPE website can be helpful in increasing awareness about implicit bias and micro-aggressions and promote more discussions related to social justice and equality for all.

*Every situation is unique, and any member should not take action based solely on the comments in the article but to base action on an independent review of the ethical standards applicable to his/her situation.