a week after the american institute of architects pledged to work with president-elect donald j. trump, the organization walked back its statement and apologized. <u+201c>the message that went out was a mistake, and it should not have happened,<u+201d> russell davidson, the 2016 president of the institute, said in a video along with the organization<u+2019>s chief executive, robert ivy. <u+201c>we will continue to be at the table and be a voice for the profession, especially when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. we will advocate vigorously for our sustainability agenda, including the impacts of climate change.<u+201d> the initial statement was sent out soon after mr. trump was elected, and cited his call to significantly increase infrastructure spending. (in july, mr. trump said the united states should invest between $1 trillion and $2 trillion in infrastructure over the next 10 years.) the statement read: <u+201c>the a.i.a. and its 89,000 members are committed to working with president-elect trump to address the issues our country faces, particularly strengthening the nation<u+2019>s aging infrastructure.<u+201d> it quickly caused a backlash from local chapters , architecture organizations and publications, with some calling for mr. ivy<u+2019>s resignation. fritz read, an architect in maryland, resigned from the group in protest. the equity alliance, which promotes diversity and equality in architecture, published an open letter to mr. ivy, writing, <u+201c>please recognize that, in word and in action, you perpetuated our profession<u+2019>s white male privilege.<u+201d> in his video apology, mr. ivy called his initial statement <u+201c>tone deaf.<u+201d> he and mr. davidson announced that the american institute of architects would hold live events and listening sessions across the country in the coming months to promote dialogue. <u+201c>i sincerely hope we can begin to heal from this incredibly painful election season and the harm the a.i.a.<u+2019>s statement caused,<u+201d> mr. davidson said. a version of this article appears in print on november 18, 2016, on page c2 of the new york edition with the headline: architects apologize after backlash on trump. order reprints | today's paper | subscribe
american institute of architects apologizes for statement of support for trump
andrew r. chow