A Message from Billie Tsien and Rosalie Genevro

In light of recent charges of sexual misconduct and other abuses of power in the architecture profession, we write to reiterate fundamental principles essential to The Architectural League and to communicate actions we are taking. The Architectural League strives to act with integrity in all matters and expects all individuals associated with it to do so as well. Sexual harassment is abhorrent and antithetical to the safe, equitable, inclusive workplaces that must define our discipline. Workplaces and all other professional and academic settings in architecture must be free of discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing behavior, and any individual who reports such behavior must be able to do so with the expectation of effective response and without fear of retribution.

As we confront allegations of abuses of power in architecture, the League is developing programs and resources to move our community forward to make the goal of equitable, fair, empowering environments a reality across the culture of architecture. We also, in specific instances, must make decisions with respect to individuals whose behavior does not meet the standards we believe must be core values of the profession. In that connection, the board of directors of The Architectural League has revoked Richard Meier’s honorific status as a Life Trustee of the League.

This is a painful period of reckoning for our community. While we don’t presume to have all the answers, we believe achieving a more just and accountable professional culture moving forward begins with open dialogue and, above all, an unwavering commitment to respecting the human rights of all individuals.

We welcome your comments, suggestions, and involvement in this important work.

Sincerely,