Ethics in Archaeology

Consistent with its mission to advance understanding of the past through ethically based scientific and humanistic investigations, the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is dedicated to promoting ethical standards and education across the archaeological community. Through its Committee on Ethics, the annual Ethics Bowl, and the SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics, the SAA leads the discipline in defining responsible conduct in archaeology.

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Be part of the community and conversation by joining the Society today.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Who wrote the current SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics?

With the goal of establishing principles of archaeological ethics that are a living document, the SAA Board of Directors established a first task force who authored process recommendations by which the Principles of Archaeological Ethics would be updated. In November 2018, the SAA Board received this report on revisions of the SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics and authorized a second task force to solicit input from varied and diverse audiences. In February 2021, the board received this second report on revisions of the SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics. Following input from the community, the board created a third task force, who drafted an update that was sent to members for comments, discussed at the 2023 SAA Annual Meeting, and discussed at an online forum and then adopted by SAA members in March 2024.

What is the relationship between the SAA and Register of Professional Archaeologists?

The SAA supports the mission of the Register of Professional Archaeologists, a listing of archaeologists who have agreed to abide by an explicit code of conduct and standards of performance. SAA members receive a registration discount with the Register of Professional Archaeologists and agree that they are subject to the RPA Code of Conduct.

How can I learn more about ethical practices in archaeology?

Organize or coach a team of students to participate in the SAA/RPA Ethics Bowl. Read past case studies and discuss with your peers. Explore our resources to learn more.

ATTENTION! BEWARE OF HOUSING POACHERS!

The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has learned of a company that is attempting to do business with SAA exhibitors and attendees by soliciting them for sleeping rooms in regard to the SAA Annual Meeting. The SAA does not endorse booking hotel reservations via another company or source. The only authorized sources for making hotel room reservations for the annual meeting is the SAA website and with the hotel directly.

If you receive any solicitations either via email or telephone from other third parties/vendors incorrectly identifying themselves as an official SAA housing representative or member of exhibition services, we ask that you please delete the message immediately, ignore any further requests, and contact the SAA’s executive director immediately at +1 (202) 559-4580.