Nepotism policies were eliminated from the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees in the 1970's. As a result there are no longer any prohibitions against relatives being appointed to work in the same departments. However, paragraph 3(f) of section 74 (Code of Ethics) of the NYS Public Officers Law states:
An officer or employee of a state agency, member of the legislature or legislative employee should not by his conduct give reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties, or that he is affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any party or person.
In accordance therewith, most SUNY campuses, including Binghamton, insist that employees not be given work assignments under which they would supervise persons with whom they have a familial or other intimate relationship, including consensual relationships that might exist between staff and students.
In addition, New York State Ethics in Government Nepotism Policy states that State officers and employees may not participate in any decision to hire, promote, discipline or discharge a relative for any compensated position at a State agency, public authority or the Legislature.
Please also refer to the Conflict of Interest Policy in General Personnel Policies and Procedures section of the Faculty and Staff Handbook.
