The irony of questionable ethics
WC Editorial Board
Issue date: 10/7/09 Section: Opinion
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The WC did not fail to see the irony in this situation. How does the ethics officer get suspended for acting in the manner in which he is supposed to uphold? It doesn't make much sense.
Biagini is responsible for realizing any violations of unethical behavior by Western employees. What does it say about the university as a whole if people don't hold themselves accountable for their own actions?
Practice what you preach is not just an annoying cliché but something that should be taken seriously. There are too many instances where people hold themselves to a different standard than everyone else. Whether it's preachers becoming pedophiles, governors having affairs or lawyers using their legal muscle to their advantage, all must take responsibility for their decisions.
If students who drink and hold raucous parties don't represent the university well, how does this incident reflect on the institution? This isn't a case of misunderstanding. Biagini clearly had prior knowledge of his wrongdoing considering ethical dilemmas are part of his employment. This is just sheer arrogance concerning the rules.
Biagini was licensed in 1972 and has a vast understanding of the law. Being that he is a lawyer he is also well aware of the power of persuasion. This casts a dark shadow on the university. Does this type of behavior happen in other areas of Western's business ventures?
The WC asks another question: was it really worth it? Do these schemes and plots really benefit a person in the long run? We have seen time and time again that the answer is no. Bernie Madoff would be the first to attest to that notion. Yet many people continue to try to slither their way around the rules. Whatever financial or powerful gains you receive for such situations will be short lived.
As an ethical officer one should hold himself to an even higher standard than others. Greed and the pursuit of power seem to mask the consequences for certain individuals. When the curtains close and you're caught, reality and repercussions come roaring back instantly.
The stench of hypocrisy floats in the breeze on the Western campus. The lingering effects of acting unethically have yet to be seen, but it should cause individuals to take a long hard look at themselves.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
cd-rossio
DR
posted 10/07/09 @ 2:09 PM CST
No where have I read that Mr. Biagini has commented. I have not seen the Supreme Court file notes indicating the argument he took. I wonder if we are assuming he did something intentional? Could it be possible disclosure was an oversight?
Just because it was something that didn't get done may not rise to the level of assuming he was trying to "slither their way around the rules". (Continued…)
lb
posted 10/07/09 @ 4:22 PM CST
I'm with DR. I don't know Mr. B--but it seems to me this is a rush to judgment that may have been something along the line of perhaps he was trying to help the client and didn't realize something he should have?
At any rate--I don't have enough facts to judge what has or has not occurred, and I don't think anyone else does either. (Continued…)
MH
posted 10/07/09 @ 4:24 PM CST
I work with Biagini on a committee, and he is one of the coolest, most jovial guys I know. Until I see the facts, I support Biagini.
onereader
posted 10/07/09 @ 7:24 PM CST
You can find the summary from the LLINOIS ATTORNEY REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION here: http://www.iardc.org/07SH0013RB.HTML. "The Review Board concluded that Biagini's misconduct warrants more than a reprimand. (Continued…)
EmptyJ
posted 10/08/09 @ 9:15 AM CST
Read the quotes at http://thedirtywestern.blogspot.com/2009/10/unethical-ethics-officer-at-wiu.html
Biagini was not apologetic. The rightfully suspended lawyer denied any wrong doing:
"Respondent's misconduct is serious and is aggravated by his lack of remorse as reflected in the following testimony:
Q: Mr. (Continued…)
urall phulaffs hit
posted 10/08/09 @ 4:51 PM CST
You are all a bunch of liberal buffoons. Had it been allegations that he might have possibly mistreated a tree frog you would be all up in it. He knows the laws. (Continued…)
DR
posted 10/09/09 @ 8:08 AM CST
Sticking with the facts of the situation and not what-if's I have been the recipient many times of mis-quotes, incorrect reporting, and wrong allegations. (Continued…)
Jen
posted 10/09/09 @ 11:19 AM CST
Went to the link provided by onereader, and CLEARLY he knew what he was doing was unethical. No remorse at all!Just Greedy!
I wonder if he will get his job back after his suspension. (Continued…)
sir
posted 10/09/09 @ 4:46 PM CST
To DR: you can read Biagini's testimony (and the facts as collected by Illinois Attorney and Disciplinary Commission) by following this link: http://www. (Continued…)
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