Chicago's AIA chapter has joined a growing list of local chapters, individuals and other architectural organizations who have expressed concerns over AIA CEO Robert Ivy's statement in support of the Trump administration. For a complete run-down of the debacle and its evolution into the #NotMyAIA hashtag, see our explainer.

The Chicago AIA's statement, written by senior board members, was originally published on their website on November 14. Its complete form is as follows:

To members of AIA Chicago:

The AIA Chicago Board of Directors wants to assure our members that we do not support the recent statement made by national AIA on November 10, which prematurely expressed the support of AIA’s 89,000 members for an unarticulated infrastructure agenda made by the incoming presidential administration. Further, we are committed to working with all of you to deepen our diversity and inclusion initiatives, and to continue the discussions that affect positive change on issues that are critical to our profession. We believe in and are dedicated to:

• Supporting our members, our committee leaders, our board and our staff as we engage, educate and challenge our elected leaders locally, regionally and nationally on the issues faced by architects;
• Assuring that the built environment addresses the realities of climate change;
• Creating more equitable opportunities for all in our profession regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation;
• Upholding our professional standards of creating spaces that are safe and promote equality for our clients and the public;
• Building stronger and more resilient communities, including urban, suburban and rural areas in which our members practice and live.

AIA Chicago vows to continue work that is already under way to give all members a voice on how these goals can be achieved now and long into the future. To do this, we need all of you to continue to engage in the work of our chapter and continue to express your views and opinions. It is in working together that we can accomplish the most and make the greatest impact.

Your voice will keep us moving forward.

Respectfully,

Dawn Schuette, FAIA    
2016 Board President

Matthew Dumich, AIA    
2016 First Vice President
2017 Board President

Anthony P. LoBello, AIA    
2015 Board President

Scott Rappe, AIA
2014 Board President  

How do you feel about the AIA's handling of Trump's presidency? Send us your response here, and take our poll:

Do you agree w/ @robertivy's statement, on behalf of AIA's membership, to the election of @realDonaldTrump? #NotMyAIA

— Archinect (@archinect) November 14, 2016