The AEA and the job market

Should the American Economic Association make further interventions to facilitate the job market for new economists?  Should it issue a code of conduct to guide behavior in various realms in which economists interact?  Both of those are under consideration, as announced today on the society's website.

Here's the text of the email announcement to members:

Statement of the AEA Executive Committee

October 20, 2017 To: Members of the American Economic Association From: Peter L. Rousseau, Secretary-Treasurer Subject: Statement of the AEA Executive Committee Many members of the economics community have expressed concern about offensive behavior within our profession that demeans individuals or groups of individuals. The American Economic Association strongly condemns misogyny, racism, homophobia, antisemitism and other behaviors that harm our profession. AEA President Alvin E. Roth has charged an ad hoc committee on professional conduct to formulate a set of guidelines for economists to be considered by the Executive Committee. The ad hoc committee is charged with evaluating various aspects of professional conduct, including those which stifle diversity in Economics. It will submit a report in time for discussion in January. There will be a period for comment by the AEA membership on that report following its release. The Association is also exploring the possibility of creating a website/message board designed to provide additional information and transparency to the job market for new Ph.D.s, and will be surveying departments to assess what information about their search processes might be shared.