Sitemap
Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Details
- Category: Blog
AIA Columbus Approves Diversity and Inclusion Policy
We are pleased to announce that the AIA Columbus Board of Directors have approved a Diversity and Inclusion Policy at the April Board Meeting. The official statement adopted by our chapter reads:
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY
Approved: April 12, 2016
In order to “encourage and celebrate the contributions of those who bring diverse experiences, views, and needs into the design process,” per AIA National, it is AIA Columbus policy that awards juries, speaker panels, exhibitions, and Chapter programs as well as events and activities that represent the chapter to the public – endeavor to be diverse and inclusive according to AIA definitions. AIA Columbus will encourage diversity participation and inclusiveness on the Board of Directors and other positions within the organization. The diversity and inclusion efforts will not be limited to any opportunities explicitly described here and will include any and all programs that further support the efforts of diversity within the profession and AIA Columbus.
The following Statements and Definitions are posted on the AIA National website:
AIA Public Policy
Leadership in design and construction requires collaboration. Architects must encourage and celebrate the contributions of those who bring diverse experiences, views, and needs into the design process.
AIA Position Statements
Civil Rights: The AIA supports the protection of the human dignity and self‐worth of all persons and calls for fair, impartial, unbiased, and nonprejudicial treatment of all persons in every employment, social, and business transaction.
Diversity: “Diversity is a cultural ethos embraced by AIA membership to foster inclusion, service and a quality of life in celebration of all communities in our society. This is regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or identity, age, geography, intellectual or practice area.”
AIA Definitions
Diversity is the mix of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, age, practice, geography, programs and organizations. This mixture brings a richness of perspectives, talents and ideas to the AIA and the profession.
Inclusiveness is the intentional act of being open, reaching out, removing barriers, and creating an environment so that all members of an organization can achieve their fullest potential.
Representation is the count and proportion of groups of individuals by demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, age, practice, geography, programs and organizations.
Diversity management is a skill or competency building process to equip the AIA and its members to manage the strategic mixture that involves differences or complexities including people, programs and organizations.
We're excited to be taking this step towards focusing on the importance of inclusion and equality within the profession.