The Television Academy has instituted a revised version of its code of ethics and standards of professional conduct, the organization announced on Thursday.
Academy Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington sent a letter to members on Thursday informing them of the new document governing their behavior.
“We expect nothing less from Academy leadership, members and staff than respectful conduct and behaviors that foster and maintain environments free of disruption, abuse, discrimination and harassment of others – during and outside of Academy events,” Washington wrote.
The document makes clear that the Academy has “zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment, as well as illegal, dishonest or unethical conduct.” Members who violate its terms may face “disciplinary action, up to and including being refused admission or ejected from an event, being barred from future events, or the suspension or expulsion of membership.”
Dear Academy Member:
As we recently announced, the Television Academy has taken the last year to review and revise several of its governing documents. One key document that has taken on added resonance with recent events is the Television Academy’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The watershed events of the past months gave new urgency for us to revisit and revise these ethical guidelines, leaving no doubt as to the conduct and the behaviors the Television Academy expects from its leadership, members and staff. Below, we are providing a link to the revised Code of Conduct that was recently approved by your Board of Governors. Please give it a thorough read.
The Television Academy is also proud to be participating as a member of a new industry organization, the Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace. Like the Motion Picture Academy, SAG/AFTRA and other members of the Commission, we are committed to achieving and supporting safer, more equitable and accountable workplaces.
Our revised Academy guidelines make clear that we expect nothing less from Academy leadership, members and staff than respectful conduct and behaviors that foster and maintain environments free of disruption, abuse, discrimination and harassment of others – during and outside of Academy events. This Code of Conduct is an acknowledgement that all of us share the responsibility for upholding a positive, professional, inclusive and supportive environment for our Academy business and member activities.