"We have fallen short and Mr. Ivy, in this instance, does nothing to belie the concerns of the membership. It is all too easy for us to be cynical and skeptical at times like these, when the more precise tool (and one we are built for) is to be critical and creative. The AIA made a mistake and has apologized both publicly and privately, but apologies mean nothing without action. Now is the time to press the Institute to act. Act as an apolitical (not bipartisan) force for social good in the built environment. I wholeheartedly believe that to protest is to have an unyielding faith in the potential for a just society. As a member of the AIA, I am not removing myself from the conversation. Instead I will continue to stand and I will continue to protest, when necessary, in hopes of a better profession.

To that end, I encourage those within the profession to acknowledge the cultural implications of our work and become forceful advocates for true equity and design justice. I am calling on the AIA to reject its historically passive stance on issues of social importance and take an active position on the social issues that have direct implications in the built environment. Moving forward, the AIA should elevate investment of resources into the research and initiatives focusing on equity and justice. Additionally, the AIA in partnership with The National Organization of Minority Architects, Arquitectos, the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers and other cultural architecture organizations should develop a multipoint platform for Design Justice that outlines the ideals of a just city and a just profession.

In all of this, we must always remember that architecture has the power to speak the language of the people it serves, but we have to be willing to serve the people without power."