Academy of Motion Pictures Board Devises New Standards of Conduct For Its Members

Two months ago, the first wave of Harvey Weinstein sex scandal exposés were published and the powerful producer was expelled from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. On Wednesday, the Academy governors ratified a new “Standards of Conduct” to which each of its 8,427 members are expected to adhere, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Standards read, in part, “There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency. The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality.” Additionally, “If any member is found by the Board of Governors to have violated these standards or to have compromised the integrity of the Academy by their actions, the Board of Governors may take any disciplinary action permitted by the Academy’s Bylaws, including suspension or expulsion.”

As THR notes, though the Academy was quick to shun Weinstein, several powerful men accused many times of over of sexual misconduct and abuse of power are still Academy members. These include Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, and Kevin Spacey.

According to an email sent out to board members Wednesday night by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, the task force that devised the standards was led by governor David Rubin. Hudson said that more substantial guidelines are in the making. “Much remains to be done,” Hudson wrote. “The task force will finalize procedures for handling allegations of misconduct, assuring that we can address them fairly and expeditiously. This process will ultimately guide the Board of Governors in assessing if certain allegations warrant action regarding membership. Those procedures will be sent to you in the new year.”

Here are the Academy’s Standards of Conduct in their entirety as they exist so far: