Racial, ethnic and gender equity at AIA
Harnessing the passion of our members and the broader design community, AIA is taking steps to advance racial justice and equity in our organization, in our profession, and in our communities. It will do so in the following ways:
- Dismantle barriers within all AIA systems: governance, honors and awards, internal policies, vendor selection, hiring/retention, and any business practice that intentionally or unintentionally contributes to injustice and exclusion (policies, practices, and programs)
- Expand inclusiveness and diversity within the profession through K-12 and higher education engagements and advocate for effective pathways into the profession. Expand the participation of racially and ethnically diverse populations, women, and other underrepresented groups.
- Conduct training, enhance education and knowledge dissemination, and increase the number of high-quality new resources for the Board, staff, volunteers, and members.
- Ensure alignment with the AIA 2021-2025 strategic plan.
We have no illusions about the scope of the challenge. Fully living up to our highest ideals and values won’t happen overnight, but neither can it wait another day.
AIA commits to...
Equity focused resources
These resources represent just a few tools to help bridge the gap between complacency and knowledge, between knowledge and action, and between action and progress.
We invite you to contact us at feedback@aia.org to suggest additional resources.
Understanding identity
Where are the women? Measuring progress on gender in architecture
Learn how women are reflected through several avenues of the profession. This report was written by ACSA and it explores how women are represented beginning from education, to licensure, all the way to established professionals. The data also compares women and men in terms of honors, awards, and career milestones as practicing architects, designers, and academic personnel.
Where are the women? Measuring progress on gender in architecture >
Where Are My People? Hispanic and LatinX in Architecture
Hispanic and Latinx in Architecture chronicles both societal and discipline specific metrics in an effort to highlight the experiences of Hispanic and Latinx designers, architects and educators.
Where Are My People? Hispanic and LatinX in Architecture >
National Museum of the American Indian: Essential Understandings
Explore the National Museum of the American Indian’s Framework for Essential Understandings, which outlines key concepts about the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native Peoples. These concepts tell untold stories about American Indians that can expand your knowledge of history, geography, civics, economics, science, engineering, and other subject areas.
NMAI: Essential Understandings >
Smithsonian Latino Center
Visit the Smithsonian Latino Center to learn about Latinx history and culture, including an overview of influential Latinos, bilingual materials for the classroom, a virtual museum toolkit for educators, and more.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a museum without walls, presenting history, art, and culture through digital initiatives. Visit their site to attend their new educational web series breaking down Asian Pacific American bias, or to explore the digital storytelling initiative that presents and preserves Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander stories, plus much more.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center >
National Museum of American History: LGBTQ History >
LGBTQ+ history is a part of American history that the National Museum of American History has been documenting since its founding. Explore the museum's online resources, news releases, exhibitions, and collections.
National Museum of American History: LGBTQ History >
National Museum of American History: Disability Rights Movement
The National Museum of American History explores the Disability Rights Movement, looking at the efforts of people with disabilities, plus their family and friends, to secure civil rights guaranteed to all Americans.
National Museum of American History: Disability Rights Movement >
Please note third-party resources are provided for informational purposes and represent the views of the respective organizations.
Image credits
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