President’s Message: ASCE Texas Stands Against Racial Injustice

June 2020

A Message from ASCE Texas Section President Susan K. Roth PE, PMP (2019-2020)

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health. These past few weeks have been a time of listening and learning for me, personally. In light of the human rights and health crisis facing our nation, I am writing to express our shared sense of heartbreak and outrage at the events surrounding the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others. The entire world is hurting as a result of these continued acts of racism and violence perpetrated against the Black community. These horrific events should also serve as a wake-up call for every organization and institution to look within to determine how they can be a catalyst for change.

ASCE Texas Section’s mission has always been one that fosters an inclusive environment and serves as a welcoming community. The executive leadership and staff at ASCE Texas Section believe in the fundamental principle that everyone is created equal and deserves respect. As leaders dedicated to the safety, health and welfare of the public, ASCE Texas Section is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, dignity and respect for all.

During the Texas Board of Professional Engineers’ ethics webinar earlier this month, the results of a 2019 Gallop poll showed that “the only non-medical profession that Americans now hold in a similar level of esteem as nurses and medical doctors is engineers, with 66% saying individuals in this field have high levels of honesty and ethics.” As civil engineers and trusted leaders, it’s paramount that members of our professional community stand up, speak out and take action against racism and injustice wherever it occurs.

ASCE Texas Section is committed to finding more ways to build bridges of understanding to promote racial equality. Now is the time to listen to other viewpoints, to educate ourselves, create space for conversation, and to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

Martin Luther King, Jr. summed it up best: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I know that we will make it through this together and look forward to when we can meet again in person.

Sincerely,

Susan K. Roth PE, PMP
ASCE Texas Section President, 2019-2020