The following is a March 17 statement from The American Institute of Architects issued in the wake of the March 16 shooting in Atlanta that killed eight people, including six women of Asian descent. The event occurred amid a recent increase in violence and hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans in the United States.
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.
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.
— AIA National (@AIANational) March 17, 2021
Read our full statement here. → https://t.co/RvPaHcN7qD#StopAsianHate pic.twitter.com/jO4KIo79th