On behalf of the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and our Executive Committee, we condemn the recently escalated, but historically pervasive, violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community including the murders in Georgia earlier this month.
I believe that part of our charge as ASLA members is to speak out against hate and violence. Our community prides itself on being purveyors of knowledge and stewards of both nature as well as the well-being of those in it. It is therefore especially important to combat misinformation and apathy towards acts of hate against the AAPI community and others because of ignorance or racism.
In the last year, so many instances of systemic racism have opened the eyes of many to the embedded issues in this country that the prevailing notion of “sticking to our work” is no longer acceptable. This is part of our work and the people affected are members of our profession and communities.
We encourage you to learn about ASLA's efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in landscape architecture called the Racial Equity Plan of Action. We all can and need to do better.
Benjamin Boyd, PLA, ASLA
Maryland Chapter President
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