Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment
04.10.2018
To the members of AIA Chicago:
In the wake of recent allegations and conversations about sexual assault, harassment and workplace misconduct, AIA Chicago supports national AIA’s commitments to safe and equitable workplaces for architects, architectural workers and allied professionals. At the local level, AIA Chicago is committed to the individual safety and well-being of those working in or adjacent to the profession.
Please read national AIA's "Where We Stand" statement below. AIA has also put together a webpage for those seeking resources about sexual harassment.
Statement from National AIA:
There is no place in the architectural profession for sexual harassment.
We, the members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), stand together to reshape our profession: to confront those who make the workplace intolerable through harassment and abuse; to give voice to those whose voices are stifled for fear of retaliation; to resolve systemic inequities in our profession that block full access by many who seek it; and to break down cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender barriers that prevent our profession from reflecting the society it serves.
AIA acknowledges that the architectural profession has not yet attained the workplace culture that is required. While AIA has made significant progress in recent years in addressing these issues, we must redouble our efforts. As the voice of the architectural profession, the AIA commits its resources to the following actions to eliminate sexual harassment and assault:
We commit to our responsibility as AIA members. Architects understand what it means to strive for excellence in the buildings we design. It is time for all AIA members to work together to make our workplaces excellent. The AIA commits to educating all members on sexual harassment and gender bias.
We commit to our responsibility as AIA components. The AIA network at the national, state, and local levels must work together to make sexual harassment a thing of the past. The AIA commits to adopting sexual harassment policies in all components and training for all AIA leaders and component staff.
We will promote exemplary workplace practices. There are exemplary firms whose practices deserve recognition. The AIA commits to launching a firm recognition program that celebrates and promotes exemplary workplace, firm culture, and equity practices.
We will change workplace culture. The architectural profession must become a role model for safe, healthy, and equitable work environments. The AIA commits to preparing and distributing equitable workplace best-practice guides for all firms.
We will uphold our professional ethics. All AIA members are bound by the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The AIA’s National Ethics Council has been directed by the AIA Board of Directors to recommend updates to the Code of Ethics to address sexual harassment and other equitable workplace principles.
We are committed to a declaration for national awards. The AIA commits to requiring all nominees for AIA national awards to sign a declaration that certifies adherence to the tenets of the AIA Code of Ethics.
We will promote collaboration in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. The AIA commits to work with our colleagues in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and related organizations in the engineering and construction fields to fully address sexual harassment throughout the construction industry.
In a decade, the face of the profession will change dramatically. What will the future face of architecture look like? Will it equitably represent the society we serve? Our actions today are directed toward an important challenge that we must stand together to overcome.
Architects stand together to reject sexual harassment. Architects stand together to support those who are threatened or abused. Architects stand together to build a model profession that welcomes everyone to safe, healthy, and equitable workplaces. Architects stand together to create a profession that represents the strength and diversity of the communities we serve.
Next Steps
On April 26, 2018, AIA Chicago will host a morning workshop on sexual harassment in the workplace. Experts will speak on the subject and will be available for questions. This program is designed to inform attendees of their workplace rights and how to navigate noncompliance. ALL are encouraged to attend.
Click here to learn more and register.
Sexual Harassment and Compliance in the Workplace
Thursday, April 26 | 8:30–11:45 AM
AIA Chicago, 35 E Wacker Drive, Suite 250
Breakfast will be served
In the coming weeks, AIA Chicago’s Equity Roundtable will be listening to members in order to best devote resources to providing tools, opportunities and knowledge to empower members at all stages of their careers. Please email your considerations and questions to the Equity Roundtable. As a part of our commitment to promoting exemplary workplace practices, those wishing to share their stories are also encouraged to do so. Send us an email at membervoices@aiachicago.org.
