The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are establishing a new code of conduct in the wake of the numerous allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
Just two weeks after it expelled the disgraced Hollywood executive from the group, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson detailed its plans to take action on the issue in an email sent to its members on Thursday.
“Like you, the Academy’s Board of Governors is concerned about sexual harassment and predatory behavior in the workplace, especially in our own industry,” Hudson said. “We believe our Academy has a role to play in fostering a safe and respectful atmosphere for the professionals who make motion pictures. To this end, we are taking steps to establish a code of conduct for our members, which will include a policy for evaluating alleged violations and determining if action regarding membership is warranted.”
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It took nine days for the Academy’s board to expel Weinstein after two bombshell reports by The New York Times and The New Yorker exposed the powerful Hollywood producer for decades of alleged sexual harassment, assault and even rape. More than 50 women have come forward with allegations against Weinstein.
“Through our Membership and Administration Committee, we are consulting experts in law and ethics to gain a better understanding of what more we can and should be doing,” the email continues. “Although we have no intention of functioning as an investigative body or moral court, we do have a right and duty as a voluntary association to maintain clear standards of workplace behavior for those we accept as members.”
The Academy plans to discuss the establishment of the new code of conduct at its next scheduled meetings in December and January.