PRINTER'S NO. 3341
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
836
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY GAINEY, NEILSON, MUSTIO, SCHLOSSBERG, DONATUCCI,
SIMS, KINSEY, MILLARD, READSHAW, DAVIS AND YOUNGBLOOD,
APRIL 16, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 16, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the efforts and contributions that the architectural
community and AIA Pennsylvania have made to celebrate and
promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the profession
of architecture and in workplaces throughout this
Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, It is the statutory responsibility of the General
Assembly to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to
employment and economic opportunity, under reasonable
regulations necessary to protect public safety, regardless of
race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual
orientation, physical ability, religious belief or geographic
location; and
WHEREAS, An equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce is
necessary to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of
Pennsylvania businesses and the economic health and well-being
of the residents of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to recognize the ongoing efforts
of the residents and professional organizations throughout this
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Commonwealth that advance and promote the objectives of
expanding equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, The American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania
(AIA Pennsylvania) was founded in 1909 and is a Statewide
chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); and
WHEREAS, AIA Pennsylvania represents nearly 3,000 members in
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, AIA represents more than 91,000 members nationally;
and
WHEREAS, AIA Philadelphia's Women in Architecture provides an
environment for women architects to enhance their professional
development, networking and leadership skills; and
WHEREAS, William J. Bates, FAIA, was elected 2019 AIA
President; and
WHEREAS, Among other endeavors, the AIA Pennsylvania
Strategic Council examines systemic policies and practices
within the profession; and
WHEREAS, Two National Organization of Minority Architects
(NOMA) chapters operate in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, AIA and AIA Pennsylvania recognize that the
profession of architecture has historically been challenged to
attract and retain sufficient women and minorities to secure the
benefits of an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce; and
WHEREAS, AIA Pennsylvania and the greater Pennsylvania
architecture community understand that an equitable, diverse and
inclusive workplace allows architects to meet the needs of
public and private clients more effectively and results in
buildings that are more responsive to their communities; and
WHEREAS, AIA Pennsylvania has undertaken specific efforts to
identify and encourage individuals who may have been previously
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shut out of reasonable access to the profession of architecture,
including the formation of the AIA Pennsylvania Strategic
Council, the Paula Maynes Architect Registration Examinations
(ARE) Grant for recent graduates pursuing licensure and the
Firms Fostering Emerging Professionals development recognition,
as well as the development of proposed legislation, such as 2017
Senate Bill No. 459, which establishes the Pennsylvania
Neighborhood Restoration Program; and
WHEREAS, AIA has also undertaken recent efforts to identify
opportunities to improve equity, diversity and inclusion within
the profession and to recognize individual members and firms for
exemplary commitment to diversifying the profession, which
include a Diversity Recognition Program, an Architects
Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship and an annual
Women's Leadership Summit; and
WHEREAS, AIA Pennsylvania and its local components, including
AIA Bucks County, AIA Central PA, AIA Eastern PA, AIA Middle PA,
AIA Northeastern PA, AIA Northwestern PA, AIA Philadelphia and
AIA Pittsburgh, along with AIA, are committed to continuing
their work to promote equity, diversity and inclusion throughout
the architectural community and in the workplace; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
efforts and contributions that the architectural community and
AIA Pennsylvania have made to celebrate and promote equity,
diversity and inclusion within the profession of architecture
and in workplaces throughout this Commonwealth.
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