Today and Every Day, AIA New Jersey Stands for Equity, Human and Civil Rights

June 3, 2020

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Today and Every Day, AIA New Jersey Stands for Equity, Human and Civil Rights

Today our nation faces unprecedented challenges. The American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter (AIA-NJ) works to advance our state’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

Today and every day, we stand for equity, human and civil rights, the universal respect for human dignity, and the unbiased treatment of all persons regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, or religious practices. Our commitment to tolerance is evidenced not just by the policies we adopt, but in the words we speak, the actions we take, and the buildings we design.

This is why we advocate for protecting and expanding laws that reflect these values, such as fair housing policies, civil rights protections, and accessibility to the built environment for all.

As we watched the video unfold of the tragic event that led to George Floyd dying, we at AIA-NJ condemn the violent methods a police officer used to end his life. In NJ we are like other states that are heavily segregated. As architects, we can institute change. No one should be targeted for their differences but all seen as human beings and treated with dignity and respect.

 

In NJ we have a wealth of diversity and we reach out to everyone with open arms and welcome them into AIA-NJ. We have no biases and hope this tragic event is not forgotten as we strive to learn from this and help all minorities with the opportunities that AIA offers and the service to society that architects can provide.

 

We believe in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the profession of Architecture as well as in our communities. Architecture ties our communities and each of us to one another. According to  Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, 2015 AIA National President, “Architecture touches everything and serves the needs of the people young, old, rich, and poor. All strive for a better community, better lives, – our profession requires talents as diverse as life itself.” 

 

We stand together with our neighbors of all colors, creeds, and lifestyles to condemn violence, demand justice, and support leaders who will lead by example. AIA-NJ stands for a better, more equitable and diverse future for our state, our country, and all of humanity, and we commit ourselves to achieve these goals.

 

Most Sincerely, 

Steven B .Lazarus, AIA

2020 President, AIA New Jersey

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