This article analyzes the ethically important moments that helped build, then break, and then negotiate the relationship between researchers and schools during an ethnographic-type study. The study was conducted by the team of researchers from a prominent private university. The author argues that the researchers failed to examine reflexively the knowledge they produced in their written representations. The author's critique uses a framework that counters harm with benefit and authority with respect, drawing on both consequential and non-consequential ethical theories, and emphasizes an ethic of care.