We must all be leaders and oppose negative behavior - by David Piscuskas
AIA New York and 1100 Architect
For most all of our lifetimes we citizens of the United States have come to expect the elected branches of our government to engage in healthy debate and make decisions for the common good. Sadly, over the course of this year, we have seen the federal government fall woefully short of commonly beneficial policy accomplishments or decision-making.
In an ordinary time, the partition of our country along party lines could signal energetic political deliberation. But this is no ordinary time. Indeed, the rule of law is being derided–and quite possibly circumvented–by the ostensible leader of our country. White supremacists and xenophobes are lauded, and those who stand in opposition are publicly criticized. Last year’s atmosphere of insults is rapidly becoming today’s environment of prejudice. The behavior that lurked barely beneath the surface of one presidential candidate can now, in the plain light of day, be identified for what it is: divisive and intolerant; extremist and self-serving; bigoted and un-American.
We must oppose the reprehensible behavior and actions that are, regrettably, ascendant in our country. In truth, all of us are well positioned to stand, to act, and to speak in opposition to this conduct.
Where? We work in or lead companies, organizations, and institutions that value the rule of law, diverse points of view, debate, and exploration; that are motivated by reward and service to lift up our neighbors and enhance lives; that wish to advance a just future unravaged by deprivation and inequality.
How? By exercising our leadership as active participants in a government by, for, and of the people. By exercising our leadership in a society where inequality, hatred of others, and supremacist actions are anathema. By exercising our leadership as professionals, with responsibility to, and goodwill for, our fellow citizens and New Yorkers, and opposing this conduct wherever and whenever it is encountered.
At AIA New York, we have made our positions and principles clear: we condemn any and all forms of intolerance, injustice, and hate-filled behavior. We reject the violent rhetoric espoused by the White House and we oppose any association with it. We believe in inalienable rights, regardless of creed or nation of origin, gender or sexual orientation, language of birth or skin color.
Our range of activities throughout the year have sought to underscore these principles. The AIANY Diversity and Inclusion Committee, reignited four years ago to give agency to issues of inclusion and representation in the profession, has taken a leadership role in AIA nationwide. Under the chapter’s Committee Excellence Grant program, the Diversity and Inclusion is currently working on “Next Gen Arch: Designing towards an Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Architecture Profession,” a research initiative that seeks to better understand our local membership demographics. The committee is creating a process through which other communities around the country can assess, enhance, and promote opportunities in architecture and the building industries for young people of all backgrounds. They will publish their findings in a digital report this October.
Architects, by training, are fundamentally committed to providing shelter and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all people. Civil dialogue, reciprocal respect, and the protection of human rights are essential to this activity just as they are vital characteristics of the profession.
These principles are our human values too. Now is a time when we all must be leaders in our communities and ensure our society remains true to human dignity, human values, and the constitutional principles of our country.
David Piscuskas, FAIA, LEED AP is the 2017 president of AIA New York and the founding partner at 1100 Architect, New York, N.Y.