Empowering people and organizations to make better decisions for a more caring world. Based at @santaclarauniversity in Silicon Valley. #ethics#news#resources
Join Next 10 & @SantaClaraUniv at 11am PT Thursday June 11 for a webinar with report authors, Iris Stewart-Frey and @IEthics, on key findings, implications, and recommendations for policymakers, local governments, and data center facilities.
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…
ALT This image is a promotional flyer for a webinar titled "The Intersection of Data Center Development, Water Availability, and Environmental Justice in California." It features three panelists: Iris Stewart-Frey from Water and Climate Justice Lab, Irina Raicu from Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, and Stephanie Leonard from Next10. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 11th at 11am PT. Logos of Next10 and other associated entities are displayed at the top. A registration link is provided at the bottom.
“We do need data centers,” Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics.
Their report is to highlight California's fragile water system and how it plays out in particular locations, and to break down what the new data center water study actually calls for.
thedesertreview.com/news/stu…
ALT A person with shoulder-length hair stands in front of a modern building with a reflective facade. A quote is displayed: “We do need data centers,” Raicu said. “They’re really an important part of our lives. Our report is not here to say, ‘Don’t build data centers. The report is to highlight California’s fragile water system and how it plays out in particular locations.” At the bottom, a small red label reads "Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics quoted by The Desert Review." The Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics logo appears in the top left corner.
Davina Hurt, director, government ethics, speaks to The Hill about how President Trump’s Truth Social platform’s partnership with Crypto.com shows why regulation is important to prevent conflict of interest. Read the full article at: thehill.com/policy/technolog…
Brian Green, director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, was featured by NPR, NCR, and The New York Times discussing Pope Leo XIV's AI encyclical.
Read more through our Media Mentions page: scu.edu/ethics/media-mention…#AIethics#Anthropic#AI
ALT This image features a digital artwork with the text: "Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical titled 'Magnifica Humanitas' Addresses the Intersection of AI and Humanity." Below, it states, "The Pope warns that artificial intelligence poses an impact to what it means to be human." The background has a logo of Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and Ethics Center Director of Technology Brian Green.
ALT An image featuring a robotic hand and a human hand almost touching, with large "AI" text in the background. A highlighted quote reads: “...some technology leaders ‘will have to take it seriously in a sense,’ partly because it provides them with ‘a moral imperative’ even as it recognized their autonomy.” The quote is attributed to Brian Green, director, technology ethics, quoted by The New York Times. The bottom section displays a logo for the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
ALT This image features a digital background with the letters "AI" prominently displayed. A robotic hand is reaching towards a human hand. A text box contains the headline: "Pope Leo Takes Aim at Big Tech in Sweeping Encyclical on AI," followed by a quote on artificial intelligence’s impact. The bottom displays the NPR logo and a small image of a person beside a quote attribution to Brian Green, director of technology ethics. The Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics logo is also visible.
ALT This image features a quote on the collaboration between an AI company and Pope Leo XIV's encyclical. A robotic hand and a human hand are depicted, symbolizing technology and humanity. The logo for the National Catholic Reporter is visible. A quote by Brian Green, referenced by the publication, is shown. The background displays an abstract design with large "AI" text.
In her recent essay, "The Viability Trap: How Prediction Markets Distort Elections Before Voting Begins," Davina Hurt, Ethics Center director, government ethics, says perceptions of viability are increasingly mediated by markets rather than voters.
scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/the…
ALT The image is a promotional banner for a spotlight by the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. The topic is "The Ethics of Prediction Markets," focusing on their impact on elections. The background features a graph with rising and falling lines, suggesting market trends. Below the title, it states that these markets influence elections, climate disasters, and geopolitical conflicts. Davina Hurt, director of government ethics, is mentioned along with a small photograph. The web address scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/ is included at the top right.
Data centers are expanding in California, and their water use is untracked. Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics, warns: "We have this huge build out, and we have very little data," and with California's water scarcity, it's not a good combination.
calmatters.org/environment/w…
ALT A person stands in front of a background depicting data servers. A quote reads, "We have this huge build out, and we have very little data." The quote is attributed to Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics, quoted by CalMatters. The logo of the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics is visible in the top left corner.
Following the release of Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence and human dignity, Santa Clara University scholars came together within hours to tackle some of the biggest ethical questions surrounding AI.
Read more: go.scu.edu/3RDbz3N
17 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S.
SCU junior Annie Schloss couldn't sit with that. So she's bringing trauma-informed yoga to veterans in the South Bay.
Her Strauss Scholarship project in partnership with Veterans Yoga starts this year.
scu.edu/ethics/about-the-cen…
ALT . There is a backdrop with Santa Clara University and the Markkula Center logos, in front of a display of American flags.
Denials are easy. Can a leader exonerating himself or herself be treated as a settlement of the issue merely because it got aired on TV?
Subramaniam Vincent, director of journalism and media ethics, on the ethics of Norah O’Donnell’s questions to Trump.
scu.edu/ethics/all-about-eth…
ALT The image features a quote displayed on a blurred background of a modern office setting. The quote reads, "Denials are easy. Can a leader exonerating himself or herself be treated as a settlement of the issue merely because it got aired on TV?" Below the quote, the name Subramaniam Vincent and the title "director of journalism and media ethics" are shown. The Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics logo is present in the upper left corner.
In their essay Bishop of San Jose Oscar Cantú, Director of Religious and Catholic Ethics David E. DeCosse, and Director of Immigration Ethics William "Bill" O'Neill, S.J. examine how Catholic teachings can be applied to today’s civil law. Read more here ncronline.org/opinion/guest-…
As AI accelerates drug discovery, regulation is crucial due to rapid advancements. Guadalupe Hayes-Mota, director of bioethics, emphasizes that boards should review governance frameworks to ensure accountability beyond the system creators. Read more at bit.ly/4uKe3vq
📣 Student ethics projects, live and in action.
Join us for the 2026 Student Project Showcase, featuring work from our Business Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Government Ethics, and Hackworth Fellows.
🗓️ May 19 | 5–6:30p.m. PDT | Webinar
events.scu.edu/ethics/event/…
ALT The image is a promotional banner for the "2026 Student Fellowship and Internship Showcase" by Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. It includes details about the Hackworth Fellowship, Environmental Ethics Fellowship, Government Ethics Fellowship, and Business Ethics Internship. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom. A presentation of ethics-focused initiatives by students is mentioned. A note at the bottom provides contact details for accessibility accommodations.
📝 The Ethics Center’s Hackworth Faculty/Staff Applied Ethics Research Grants are now open to faculty and staff at @SantaClaraUniv!
📆 Application Due Date: 5 p.m. PDT Friday, May 22nd, 2026
🔗 scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/c…
ALT The image is a digital flyer for the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. It announces "Faculty/Staff Research Grants in Applied Ethics" and states that Hackworth Research Grants are open to SCU faculty and staff. The deadline for Spring 2026 applications is 5 p.m. PDT on May 22, 2026. A QR code links to scu.edu/ethics.
🎧Brigit Helms, executive director of the Miller Center and Don Heider from the Ethics Center speak with Andre Habisch in this episode of Line of Sight.
🔗line-of-sight-podcast.simple…
ALT Red graphic titled "LINE of SIGHT" with a play button and soundwave. Features Dr. André Habisch speaking in a small circular image on the right.
Dauphin County's casino revenue funds grants meant for public programs, yet millions go to businesses linked to public officials. “We want to ensure the system earns and maintains public trust.” said Davina Hurt, director, government ethics. Read more at bit.ly/49wNDoH
New Next 10 report by Iris Stewart-Frey and Irina Raicu at @SantaClaraUniv maps every known operating and planned data center in California through a water access and environmental justice lens.
next10.org/publications/data…
Donald Trump’s recent appointment as a LIV Golf host raises questions about a conflict of interest. Don Heider, executive director, calls on Congress to speak up and hold the president responsible. Read the full article at The Daily Beast here bit.ly/432S5b1
🎯Where does board responsibility lie as companies face growth pressures and AI-driven decision making?
💡Access the recording of this webinar from Silicon Valley Director’s Exchange
🔗youtube.com/watch?v=MBCykqBn…
📝 The Ethics Center’s Hackworth Faculty/Staff Applied Ethics Research Grants are now open to faculty and staff at @SantaClaraUniv!
📆 Application Due Date: 5 p.m. PDT Friday, May 22nd, 2026
🔗 scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/c…
ALT The image is a digital flyer for the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. It announces "Faculty/Staff Research Grants in Applied Ethics" and states that Hackworth Research Grants are open to SCU faculty and staff. The deadline for Spring 2026 applications is 5 p.m. PDT on May 22, 2026. A QR code links to scu.edu/ethics.
📣 Student ethics projects, live and in action.
Join us for the 2026 Student Project Showcase, featuring work from our Business Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Government Ethics, and Hackworth Fellows.
🗓️ May 19 | 5–6:30p.m. PDT | Webinar
events.scu.edu/ethics/event/…
ALT This image is a banner for the "2026 Student Fellowship and Internship Showcase" by the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. It highlights the Hackworth Fellowship, Environmental Ethics Fellowship, Government Ethics Fellowship, and Business Ethics Internship. The event is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as a Zoom Webinar. QR codes for more information are included. Accommodation request details are noted at the bottom.