The Producers Guild of America announced a new set of anti-sexual harassment guidelines on Friday, outlining the steps the guild is enacting to combat harassment in the entertainment industry.
The guidelines were recommended by a task force formed by the PGA last October in response to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, which led to the guild banning the disgraced producer for life.
The guidelines were ratified unanimously by the PGA Board of Directors, and include advice to producers on how to report suspected abuse and foster a culture that prevents abuse and discourages incidents from being hidden.
“”Sexual harassment can no longer be tolerated in our industry or within the ranks of the Producers Guild membership,” said PGA Presidents Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary in a statement. “As producers, we provide key leadership in creating and sustaining work environments built on mutual respect, so it is our obligation to change our culture and eradicate this abuse.”
The task force is also reviewing the resources available to PGA members to prevent and report harassment, as well as counseling for those abused. It is also working with the new anti-harassment organization “Time’s Up,” as well as the industry-wide commission led by Anita Hill.
“These recommendations are only the first step in a long process of changing our professional culture,” the guidelines read. “Ultimately, an inclusive workplace helps protect against all forms of discrimination. We will see even more progress once boardrooms and corporations–as well as production offices and sets–are balanced with gender and racially diverse leaders who will hire inclusive teams as a matter of standard practice.”
“We look forward to refining these recommendations as new approaches are tested and new resources become available, and will share our findings with our PGA members and colleagues in the industry.”