We Stand Together to Stop Asian Hate Crimes
The Boston Society for Architecture stands with the American Institute of Architects in the fight against anti-Asian racism. We are horrified by the shootings on March 16, and by the racist actions that have allowed this kind of targeted violence against minority groups for generations.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, approximately 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents have been reported across our nation. This number, provided by the organization StopAAPIHate, is a fraction of all racist incidents targeting Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI), as many are not even reported. Targeted attacks against marginalized groups have a long and dark history in our country.
The BSA calls on its membership, allies, and friends to stand in solidarity against racism and actively participate in anti-racist work both professionally and personally. We cannot allow this violence to continue. When designers come together to change the systems that perpetuate violence and cruelty, we will harness our energies to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive world. We hope to be a resource and a partner in realizing such a vision.
As a chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), we support their statement against violent racism:
“Violent racism tears at the fabric of modern society. The latest spate of violence targeting members of the Asian community is yet another example of the pernicious impact of racism and inequity in our society. It is another clear call to act to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to all that we do, as people and professionals. The challenges ahead and the dreams we share will only be achieved through diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents. Marginalizing, brutalizing, and silencing any group in society, harms and diminishes all of us. We all have a duty to speak up and to act to stop words and deeds that seek to devalue, ostracize, injure, or oppress anyone because of their gender identity or expression, physical disability, who they love, where they come from, the color of their skin, native tongue or any other perceived difference.”
Visit AIA’s website to review the AIA Board statement on systemic racial injustice issued on June 4, 2020.
We invite you to join the BSA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network, a place for individuals in the design industry to engage in meaningful conversations; support, promote, and build awareness; and to share best practices related to issues of EDI within the profession.
