Frances Halsband FAIA Led Successful Effort to Change AIA Code of Ethics

At the AIA National Conference held in New York City in June, Frances Halsband FAIA introduced Resolution 18-16 to amend the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The proposed amendment requires that members of the AIA ensure the equal treatment of all design professionals and staff, and explicitly prohibits abuse and harassment within the architecture community. Frances was motivated by the #MeToo movement’s arrival within the architecture community and decided to take action after lecturing at architecture schools this past Spring. “I found many students eager to know what we were doing to stop all forms of abuse,” Halsband said. Believing that she and her peers in “the AIA College of Fellows should be a powerful force in setting standards because we have been elevated before the public and the profession to make significant contributions to architecture and society,” she solicited their support through a petition calling for the amendment which garnered over 600 signatures. The vote on the resolution passed with an overwhelming majority. The AIA Board of Directors ratified the changes to the Code of Ethics at their meeting in September.

Read more about this effort by clicking the links below:

AIANY Leads Charge to Amend AIA Code of Ethics

American Institute of Architects Weighs Explicit Ban on Sexual Harassment

At AIA 2018 Business Meeting, Resolution to Amend Code of Ethics Passes

Ahead of AIA Conference, Architects Rally for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion