Visual Effects Society Adopts New Code of Conduct to Bolster Commitment to Prevent Harassment & Discrimination

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The Visual Effects Society has adopted a Code of Conduct whose purpose is committed to providing an environment in which all members are treated with respect, dignity, and inclusion. Through this Code of Conduct, we are formalizing VES values, standards and expectations of personal and professional conduct for our members. Active status of VES membership requires adherence to this Code of Conduct.

All VES members must be committed to recognizing and advancing the contributions of all of its members and practitioners in the VFX community at large, irrespective of gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, marital status, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical condition, culture, age, religion, military service, veteran status or any other defining category.

Code of Conduct Guidelines:

Members are expected to act with the highest integrity and refrain from committing any act that will degrade themselves or the VES, or prejudice, damage or harm the standing, reputation, welfare and/or best interests of the VES and its members. Members are expected to:

Behave in a professionally appropriate and courteous manner toward other members and the Society's personnel, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and guests

Discuss differences in a professional, non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others

Honor and respect cultural diversity

Uphold this Code of Conduct and its values in their professional lives

The VES is categorically opposed to any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation in the workplace or within the confines of the Visual Effects Society. Definitions are as follows:

Discrimination is treating differently or denying or granting a benefit to an individual because of their defining category. This includes denying promotions and equal pay.

Harassment is unwanted conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This can include psychological, personal, workplace, or sexual harassment. Harassment can be written (texts, emails, notes, social media posts), verbal, physical gestures and innuendo. This may include:

Bullying - using strength or influence to intimidate

Making remarks, jokes or innuendo that demean, ridicule, intimidate or offend

Displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials in print or electronic form

Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or electronic media communications

Hate speech and statements that reinforce stereotypes

Exhibiting behavior that endangers the health and safety of others, including physically threatening or purposefully striking another

Knowingly defaming, maligning or making false accusations against another member

Workplace harassment means engaging in a course of conduct against someone in a professional environment that is known (or ought reasonably to be known) to be unwelcome. Workplace harassment also includes making a solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the person.

Sexual harassment is harassment based on sex or of a sexual nature; gender harassment; and harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Unwanted sexual advances

Offering employment or other benefits in exchange for sexual favors, or denying fair treatment when sexual favors are not granted

Making sexual gestures or exposure of sexual organs

Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons or posters

Making or using derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes of a sexual nature

Using sexually degrading words to describe an individual

Unwelcome physical touching or assault, as well as blocking or impeding movement

Wolf whistling, catcalling or offensive sexual noises.

Retaliation means adverse conduct taken because an individual reported an actual or perceived violation of this policy regarding discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment.

VES acknowledges that VES members work in uniquely creative workplaces and that certain words, ideas and imagery used in other contexts may be deemed offensive by some. However, there is nothing about creativity that requires individuals to fear for their physical, emotional, or economic safety.

The Visual Effects Society is entrusted with providing a positive environment in which all members are treated with integrity and uphold the highest standards befitting our global honorary society. VES condemns any threatening behavior, both toward and by its members. When a VES member violates this code it demeans the Society and the profession, and could lead to consequences including loss of membership in the Society.

Accordingly, we call upon all VES members to adhere to this Code of Conduct.

Approved by: Visual Effects Society Board of Directors 5/9/18

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