Statement on Dean Lokko's Resignation

The City College of New York was saddened to learn that Lesley Lokko, Dean of the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, would be resigning her position as dean effective January 31, 2021. 

During Dean Lokko's brief time at City, she introduced her colleagues, students, and alumni of the Spitzer School to a vision of a new and reimagined architecture curriculum. The vision was expansive and ambitious and required a series of sweeping changes to the current curriculum. That these changes were occurring at the onset of a global pandemic certainly complicated her plans.  We would have been thrilled had she been able to see these changes through to their completion, but have accepted her resignation with deep regret. 

In a recent interview, Dean Lokko discussed the role that both gender and race play in conversations seeking great change. The College has, for more than 173 years, worked to take on these extremely difficult questions with honesty and commitment. We will use the remainder of Dean Lokko's tenure on campus to engage with her on the issues she's raised and continue that work as part of our commitment to making our campus everything it should be.

Sincerely,

Vince Boudreau
President
The City College of New York