5 Key Issues The Academy Must Debate In Reckoning With Will Smith

Will Smith made Oscar history when he slapped Chris Rock, who made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the governing body responsible for the annual Academy Awards show, is now investigating the slap heard around the world.

The five key issues the Academy must debate are with Will Smith and any future Academy member who chooses to act recklessly.

A. Security:

Why wasn't there better security at the event, and how could the Academy allow a disgruntled actor to storm the stage and accost someone? What would have happened if Smith had been the culprit? There is one set of rules for an Oscar nominee of Smith's stature, and likely an entirely different set of guidelines for others. What precedent is being created by allowing for this incident to happen in real time? How can the Academy prevent something like this from happening again, given the massive publicity this incident has generated, and the fact that someone might want to perform a _copy cat_ moment? Smith should not have been in the auditorium. Should his nomination have been put on hold? The unforgivable exercising of situational ethics at the awards show proves that there must be one set of rules and regulations that is followed. The lack of clarity about whether the Academy is following the rule of law within its own event created this problem, and now the Film and TV community must now contend with it.

A. There is a legal complaint.

Rock has refused to make a formal complaint against Smith. Should the state of California pursue Smith? There must be a one size fits all approach that says if you break the law in our house, you will pay the consequences.

A. There is a new award for membership and recognition.

Should Smith's Oscar and/or Academy membership be revoked, and if so, should the second place winner be rewarded? Smith's decision to assault Rock and permanently disrupt the rest of the night for nominees and winners should be considered clear. Smith chose to make an example of himself with his regrettable move; his decision, no matter what emotions were ruling him when he made it, should show others that such behavior will lead to a permanent ban from the Academy and the possible elimination of his award.

D. There is a new law.

Should a fellow Academy Member be allowed to retaliate against a host or presenter in the future, what new rules and regulations will be put in place? Smith's attack on Rock showed the world that free speech is no longer optional. Smith put other stand-up comedians in danger by accosting Rock and then sitting peacefully in the auditorium with no consequences and then receiving an Oscar himself afterwards. Producers and executives are debating what to do in real time. If clear rules and regulations were understood and enforced, there wouldn't be a debate. No one should be asked to make up the law on the spot. We don't rely on situational ethics because of that. They send the wrong message to the rest of the community.

E. Will the Academy insist on an apology from Smith or future members who act out? Does Smith's illegal act prevent him from making up for his bad behavior? Smith must pay a stiff price to prevent others from thinking of such behavior. Smith has posted an apology to Rock. Will that be enough punishment for Smith's actions?

The world will be watching and waiting to see what kind of justice will be served when the Motion Picture Academy makes a decision very soon.

If the Academy doesn't get this right, the consequences could be much more than just deciding on Smith's future with the Oscars - it will reveal the integrity and wisdom of the creative community at large and what compass this often privileged and out of touch industry has.

I can't wait to read the inside of that envelope.