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March 25, 2021AIANY WIA Statement on Anti-Asian Discrimination
As architects and designers, we listen, lead dialogues, guide our clients, and strive to build communities that evolve and grow to reflect the diverse world we live in.
The escalation of hostilities against the Asian community have exposed long, underlying anti-Asian racism. Their voices have been muffled by systemic policies, perpetual micro-aggressions, and a culture of exclusion.
We must stand up and advocate for a world that does not oppress—that is safe for our Asian brothers and sisters, families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones to live in, and free from violent attacks. We must encourage growth, empathy, compassion, and understanding. We must value all of their contributions, from those who speak with the quietest breath to the ones who lead with the boldest actions.
The AIANY Women in Architecture Committee is committed to providing a platform that will support the Asian design community. We will elevate their voices and share their experiences. Inaction will only lead to continued acceptance; for our industry to evolve, we must act.
In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we welcome you to participate in a discussion at our May 19th committee meeting, WIA Forum: Allies With the Asian Design Community. We will listen to experiences from our Asian peers and open up the meeting for conversation.
WIA stands with AIA New York’s Board in efforts to address all forms of discrimination. For several resources on how to support and learn about the Asian community, please see below:
- Bystander intervention to stop Anti-Asian American harassment and xenophobia workshop
- How to Respond to Harassment (For People Experiencing Anti-Asian-American Harassment) Training Workshop
- Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE): A non-profit based in New York City, founded in 1974 in Manhattan’s Chinatown to advocate for equal rights, AAFE has transformed in the past four decades to become one of the city’s leading housing, social service, and community development organizations.
- Asian Mental Health Collective: Building a community for Asian mental health support.
- Safe Walks NYC: A community initiative of volunteers that will escort people to destinations when they do not feel safe.
- Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning: An autobiographical book written by Korean American author Cathy Park Hong. It is a compilation of essays about growing up as an Asian American in the United States.
- Stop AAPI Hate: Report an incident, see safety tips, read reports, and donate
- Stay Safe from Hate: How to Protect Yourself in Threatening Situations, by the Asian American Federation
Women in Architecture
The definitive leadership resource for women in the architecture profession. The Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee develops and promotes women leaders within the architecture profession, with a focus on mentorship, licensure, and networking opportunities in architecture and the allied design and building industries.