WASHINGTON, Oct. 18—Associated Builders and Contractors today released the following statement about the importance of Construction Inclusion Week, which runs Oct. 18-22.

“Construction Inclusion Week is an invitation to every member of the 7.4 million construction workforce to unite to advance inclusion, diversity and equity,” said ABC Director of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Tia Perry. “Work environments must be free of harassment, hate and bigotry of any kind. Achieving an inclusive, equitable and culturally competent workforce that is welcoming to all people is the essence of the merit shop philosophy, and ABC is proud to be an integral part of this important week.”

To support the inaugural observance, ABC is serving as an industry affiliate partner, hosting webinars and promoting additional best practices for inclusion, diversity and equity to its 21,000 member companies.

ABC’s diversity outreach is led by the association’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee, which was established in 1999 as a key component of ABC’s value proposition to develop people, win work and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit diversity.abc.org to learn about ABC’s IDE strategy.

About Construction Inclusion Week: Construction Inclusion Week harnesses the collective power of the construction industry to build awareness regarding the need to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. For more information, visit constructioninclusionweek.com.