Open Letter to Member Groups Regarding Sexual HARASSMENT

Dear Member Groups,

EMACT has long been an advocate for equality in the Arts. We fully support the right for actors and designers to work in an environment free from any type of harassment or intimidation. If incidents of harassment are brought to our attention, we conduct an investigation to ensure that complaints are valid and corroborated. This action ensures due process. While most of our member groups are volunteer organizations, the law is quite clear about harassment in any environment, professional or volunteer.

EMACT has recently been involved in a sexual harassment complaint. After thorough investigation and corroboration, we found the allegations to be true. As a result, EMACT has decided to sanction the individual involved by eliminating him from any DASH consideration now and in the future and by prohibiting membership now and in the future.

We believe that by taking this action, we establish a solid commitment that we will not tolerate an artistic environment where volunteer artists or designers are intimidated or uncomfortable by overt or subtle sexual inferences. Further, we recommend that Board of Directors or Production teams engage in immediate actions to investigate any and all allegations and bring any such complaints to a satisfactory conclusion.

As an organization of community theatres, we cannot turn a blind eye to these allegations. Our actors and designers have a right to perform and work in an environment free from harassment and intimidation. There is no acceptable place in our community theatres for people to feel uncomfortable or intimidated by unwanted sexual inferences or unwanted advances. EMACT has further agreed to make the following statement as an organization and recommends that our member groups adopt the same or similar statement
and that all volunteers and members agree to behave according to these
standards.

EMACT is committed to an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, EMACT expects that all relationships among persons in the theatre are professional and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment.

Thank you for your immediate action.

Sincerely,

Celia A. Couture
President, EMACT