In a recent development that has sparked controversy and debate, the Justice Department revealed in a filing on Friday that the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has changed its policy to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump earlier this year. The executive order, signed by President Trump in January, aimed to promote free speech and diversity of viewpoints on college campuses across the country.
The Academy, best known for its annual Academy Awards ceremony, has long been a bastion of liberal values and progressive ideals. However, the recent policy change has raised concerns among some members of the entertainment industry who fear that it could stifle artistic expression and limit the diversity of voices within the industry.
According to the Justice Department filing, the Academy’s new policy requires all members to adhere to a code of conduct that prohibits discrimination based on political beliefs, among other factors. The policy change comes after the Academy faced criticism for its handling of controversial issues in the past, including the #OscarsSoWhite movement that highlighted the lack of diversity in its nominations.
While some have praised the Academy for taking steps to promote free speech and diversity of viewpoints, others have expressed concern that the new policy could have a chilling effect on artistic expression. Critics argue that by requiring members to adhere to a specific code of conduct, the Academy is limiting the range of perspectives that can be represented in the industry.
In response to the filing, a spokesperson for the Academy issued a statement saying, “We believe that it is important to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. Our new policy is designed to promote respectful dialogue and ensure that all voices are heard.”
The Academy’s decision to change its policy comes at a time when the entertainment industry is grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion. In recent years, there has been a growing push for greater representation of women, people of color, and other marginalized groups in film and television.
According to a recent study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 13.9% of directors of the top 100 grossing films in 2018 were women, and only 29.3% were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. The study also found that LGBTQ characters were significantly underrepresented in film, with only 1.3% of speaking characters identifying as LGBTQ.
The Academy’s policy change is just the latest in a series of efforts by the entertainment industry to address issues of diversity and inclusion. In recent years, several high-profile films and television shows have faced criticism for their lack of representation, leading to calls for greater diversity both on screen and behind the camera.
As the debate over the Academy’s new policy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the industry as a whole. While some believe that the policy change is a step in the right direction towards promoting free speech and diversity, others worry that it could have unintended consequences for artistic expression. Only time will tell how the Academy’s decision will shape the future of the entertainment industry.