Dear School of Architecture Community,
The unconscionable murder of George Floyd last week by the Minneapolis police once again reminds us of the injustices that continue be perpetrated on the Black American community. We are rightfully outraged as this follows the racist killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor over the last few months. There are few words that can comfort in light of the inhumanity we witnessed on the video. This comes with the painful history of systemic racism in America and the injustices it perpetrates from small everyday displays of indignity to inexcusable acts of violence on people of color.
The School of Architecture stands in solidarity with the call for justice and accountability that must be meted out to the perpetrators of this crime. As I take up my tenure as Head of School this academic year, I make a commitment to our students, alumni, faculty, and staff that issues of social justice, inclusivity, and diversity will continue to be a foundation for the School’s pedagogy and outlook. We as architects have a special responsibility in this regard. Racial divisions are paralleled in the spatial segregation of our cities and communities. They play out in the lack of affordable housing, the lack of investment in public infrastructure, and the lack of access to healthcare and education. They also play out in the lack of representation of diversity in our education system. These must be at the forefront of our concerns as we move forward towards a more just and ethical society through architecture. Please also read NOMA’s statement to the profession and our responsibility in ending racial injustice.
I am heartened by the multi-ethnic, multi-generational peaceful protesters that have, in spite of the dangers of the virus, taken to the streets demanding change. They give us a hopeful image of a better society. We must build on these images of inclusive community even as we come to terms with the horrific images of Mr. Floyd’s death. We need to celebrate difference and our common humanity as that is the only way to move to the change we all want.
Respectfully,
Omar Khan
Incoming Professor & Head
School of Architecture
Carnegie Mellon University