AIAS and Equity
“We cannot dismantle the master’s house with the master’s tools,” — Audre Lorde
Racism is and continues to be inseparable from the realm of architecture. Although many of us may not learn about this in our architecture history classes, some of us have unfortunately been forced to experience this first hand. As a predominantly white profession and organization we recognize that through our own actions and inactions, through our own lack of care and courage, we have contributed to this exhaustion and pain.
Because people are more important than buildings, and always have, each and every one of us has the responsibility to work towards justice and uplift those of us who need it the most. We challenge ourselves and each other to refuse complacency and dedicate ourselves to holding our professions, our schools, and our actions accountable for their transgressions, their promises, and their potential.
We are also aware that many times before, groups have made these same claims and failed to follow through and create real change. We know that we as AIAS currently are majority white as an organization similar to the architecture profession at large. However, we all need to start somewhere, and AIAS will not be content with inaction. We do not wish to be limited to our vague platitudes, and we are making a commitment to action. Therefore, we are launching our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiative in the Fall of 2021. We are also making a commitment to acting alongside other groups in the College of Design to collaboratively act for positive change. This will be a slow process, but this action is too important to risk doing improperly. More information will be coming later in the semester as our EDI committee is populated, and our partners officially join with us. Design is a journey, and so is justice. We hope you will journey with us.
Wherever you may be, let us acknowledge that we are all on indigenous land. Minnesota is located on the traditional and contemporary homelands of the Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples, the original stewards of this territory. We are committed to uplifting the name of these lands and the community members from these Nations. We acknowledge the trauma that is deeply embedded in the foundation of this country. The land we reside on came under the control of the USA, through genocide, slavery, and ongoing occupation. We recognize the deep historical, spiritual, and personal trauma that has impacted indigenous communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities. By offering this acknowledgment of trauma, we affirm the right of people to bring their whole selves and stories into this space, and we affirm our intention to promote healing, respect, and love.
