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Building for an Equal Future — CSI Supports the Rights of Everyone

By CSI HQ posted 06-05-2020 11:21 AM

  
At CSI, we believe that a robust, diverse, and inclusive community is a prerequisite to ensure all architecture, engineering and construction professionals realize their full potential. To that end, we cannot tolerate discrimination, racism, and dehumanization of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or anyone who seeks a better future afforded us in a free society.

Our communities and social fabric are at a crossroads. Watching, yet one more time, news of innocent people dying needlessly at the hands of those who are supposed to serve and protect is intolerable. And somehow so much worse while we are all feeling the effects of isolation and anxiety from COVID-19.

During the past few weeks, we have addressed the CSI membership and AEC professionals about what it means to be a community and support each other during troubled and uncertain moments in history. We are hard-pressed to think of times in recent memory that are more troubling than these. With lives in the balance we stand in support of those who have been oppressed or disenfranchised.

We must renew our commitment to the ideals that bind our country together. As citizens, we cannot turn away from the idea that we are all created equal, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness applies to everyone. These ideals have not yet been realized.

This is not an issue of politics. This is an issue of humanity. No one should live in fear of losing life and limb by expressing oneself, going out for an evening walk or a jog, or simply lying in bed in one's own home. We make a compact to live under the rule of law and, in exchange, we expect the rule of law to protect us and deliver the promise of a just society. These compacts exist so we may worship in our own way, pursue economic interests, and uphold the inalienable rights of equality and liberty for all. This is what America promises.

To realize the promise of living in a land of opportunity we must commit in word and deed to engaging with and nurturing a broad representation of individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ability, age, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Fulfilling this promise adds immeasurable depth to our organization and enriches our lives.
We are, and always will be, committed to basic human rights protections. To tolerate anything less jeopardizes our humanity, economic security, and freedom.

If we are to live up to our potential as an association and contribute to a built environment that serves society by making all lives safer, more productive and enjoyable, then we must decry these grave injustices and cannot allow them to continue.

As the Construction Specifications Institute, we stand with those who can and should be afforded what we were taught in grade school, that each of us has an opportunity to pursue the American dream with liberty and justice for all. CSI is committed to living up to these ideals and helping the AEC community do the same.

crews-sigEllen Crews, FCSI, CCSSM, CCCASM, CDT®, SFP, FMP
CSI Board Chair

dorsey-sigMark Dorsey, CAE, FASAE
CSI Chief Executive Officer
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Comments

06-09-2020 09:46 AM

I support this statement. Thank you.

06-09-2020 01:04 AM

Finally, an expression of heart.  Business isn't doing business unless it advocates for inclusivity , and DID expressed this some years ago by tossing out "professional" and "industry" designators.   Other professional organization from AIA, USGBC, AGC, to the  DBIA and more have expressed their interests in increasing inclusivity.  Thank you.

The statements made by Ms. Crews and Mr. Dorsey as representatives of CSI are inappropriate and out of line.  I did not join CSI to have the board and CEO speak for me on any moral, social, or political issues.  I am very capable of expressing myself in these types of matters.  If I see this type of stuff continuing to distract the Institute from its mission "to advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance," I will resign my membership.

An article that might spur discussion about the place of architecture - and specifications - in the built environment and how that environment affects society:

https://www.citylab.com/perspective/2020/06/george-floyd-protest-urban-design-history-racism-architecture/612622/

06-06-2020 08:50 AM

Stick to CSI-ing.  This IS political and you're trying to placate the PC crowd.
Start lobbying for the daily gun deaths in Chicago or the 650,000 aborted babies each year.