Case 6: Using Ex-Cons to Teach Business Ethics
1. What are the ethical issues in this case?
Should white-collar criminals profit from their crimes post-conviction? Should such criminals be
permitted to “sell” their criminal stories on the lecture circuit? Does the First Amendment protect
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring ex-cons to speak to college students on
the subject of business ethics? Is it appropriate for colleges and universities to pay felons to be
guest speakers?
Students may be more likely to listen to someone who has “been there and done that.” Students
often point out that discussing ethical dilemmas in a safe, low-pressure environment such as the
classroom is not realistic and far from ideal. Hearing an ex-con speak would force students to
acknowledge that there are consequences for illegal and unethical behavior. On the other hand,
such speakers may focus on the need to make ethical decisions in order to avoid detrimental
3. What do you think you could learn from an ex-con speaking on business ethics?
Depending on the speaker, one could certainly learn that it is possible for good people to make
bad decisions. According to the case, Walt Pavlo had been taught right from wrong. However,
4. Successful business executives who speak to students on the subject of business ethics typically
do not get paid. They do this as a service. Is it wrong to pay ex-cons to speak on their illicit
motives and activities?
Many states have laws, called Son of Sam laws, which prohibit ex-cons from profiting from the commission of a
crime. These laws are often enacted to address public outrage at the fact that a convict may profit from the notoriety