APA Florida & EDI Committee Statement Supporting the Jewish Community

APA Florida and its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee strongly condemn all acts of violence, hatred, and bigotry, including the disturbing rise of public acts of antisemitism in Florida communities. Whether it’s the distribution of anti-Semitic fliers in several South Florida cities or Nazi demonstrations and violence in Orlando, these acts have no place in a civil society that should respect all people. Many of our colleagues, friends and family members have been impacted by attacks on the Jewish community. 

As stated in the AICP Code of Ethics, planners must seek social justice and shall work to achieve social and racial equity. Silence is complicity, and planners must not be afraid to condemn acts of hatred and violence wherever, and whenever, we see them in our communities. This is essential when these acts are rooted in discrimination based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.

We continue to stand with the Jewish community and to advocate for tolerance, inclusion and understanding in Florida’s communities.  Please visit the Anti-Defamation League website, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida website, or websites of Jewish organizations across Florida to learn more about how to combat antisemitism.

Sincerely, 

Wiatt Bowers, AICP, APA Florida President 

APA Florida Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

 Roxann Read, AICP (Co-chair)

Alissa Barber Torres, FAICP, Ph.D. (Co-chair)