Academy moves forward with details on Standards of Conduct

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has taken a step ahead in establishing the Standards of Conduct for its members.
In an email to the AMPAS members, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson detailed the instructions on how individuals can report claims of workplace misconduct in violation of the standards, reported Variety.
The Board of Governors of AMPAS had last month approved the Standards of Conduct for its members after the sexual harassment scandal involving disgraced Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein came into light.
"The Academy's goal is not to be an an investigative body, but rather ensure that when a grievance is made, it will go through a fair and methodical process. This process will determine whether a claim will be brought to the board for possible action regarding membership status," Hudson wrote.

Under the new procedures, claims against a member can be submitted via a secure link on the Academy website or by phone call to the Academy's membership department.
The allegations must supported by evidence such "must be substantiated by clear evidence of behaviour that violates the Academy's Standards of Conduct".

"There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognised standards of decency," the official document attached in the mail stated.
"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 Academys Bylaws, including suspension or expulsion," it added.

After the massive sexual harassment scandal rocked the Hollywood, the Academy had formed a task force headed by Academy Officer David Rubin to draw out a new code of conduct for its members.
The Academy's 54-member board of governors had ousted Weinstein with immediate effect at an emergency session.