What should a member do if they witness a breach of the code of conduct?

• A. Ignore it unless minor.
• B. Report to the appropriate officer or Ethics/Compliance Committee per the policy; maintain confidentiality.
• C. Publicly shame the member involved.
• D. Address the matter personally with the member.

Answer: (B)

Reporting a witnessed breach through the proper channels is the responsible course. By notifying the appropriate officer or Ethics/Compliance Committee, you trigger a formal, fair investigation that follows the organization’s policy. This approach protects everyone's rights, preserves confidentiality, and ensures consistent handling of issues, reducing the risk of retaliation or misunderstandings that can arise from informal handling. Ignoring it, even if the breach seems minor, can allow harm to continue and erode trust. Publicly shaming someone undermines due process and confidentiality, and addressing the matter personally bypasses established procedures, which can lead to bias and accountability gaps. Following the official reporting path keeps things transparent, lawful, and fair for all involved.