I like to tell my students that just because something is stupid, doesn’t mean it is unethical. But most stupid things can lead to great discussions on related ethical issues – and boy do we have a lot to talk about this week. From Royals to Racism to Fast Food and Kant, it was tough for me narrowing it down to just a few issues this week

This week in public relations ethics, there was a great ethics case study from Harvard Business Review, a scandal in Japan over gift policies and an explosive debate on social media over Dr. Seuss and McElligot’s Pool.

This week there were a number of interesting ethics stories on a wide range of topics. Ethisphere reported that world’s most ethical companies outperform the market by 7.1%, showing you can do well by doing good. There was also a call for Jeep to drop the name Cherokee and questions about ethical issues with charitable giving.

This week there were some really interesting stories on PR Ethics from the ABCs of Ethics to Astroturfing, improper brand association and what to do when you don’t have time to think. (Hint: make the time).

There were a wide variety of ethics topics this week – from a new roboethics advisor to how to build a speak up culture and which countries most commonly report unethical behavior. Then there were the meta-ethics questions about is PR inherently unethical and is it ethical to ask a reporter questions in advance

February is Global Ethics month – where many communication associations come together to provide insight, guidance and content. They will be using the hashtag #ethicsmatter.  In addition to this, interesting articles dealt with internal communications, the gig economy and LEGO.

This week in public relations ethics there was an eclectic collection of topics of interest. Topics range from a first-ever ban on shadow lobbying, to the proper application of ethos and pathos, and advice on setting up an EAB. I also loved a story of ethics in action and how a former PR pro is helping ethical manufacturers in the fashion industry.

This week in PR Ethics there were a number of interesting stories – from should President Trump’s PR people ever get jobs again to privacy and fertility and the importance of diversity.

Beyond politics, this week there were some really interesting ethics articles – from the continued decline of trust to an examination of how and when a global brand decides to take an activist position.

While it’s a New Year, we still have the same ethics issues that we have had for 4,000+ years. Following are a few of the highlights that focus on public health, vaccines, business and culture.