Group of American psychologists apologize for perpetuating racism

By Kynala Phillips -

The American Psychological Association (APA) on Friday issued an apology to black people for their role in perpetuating systemic racism and discrimination in the United States. 

"For the first time, the APA and American psychology are examining, recognizing, and charting a path forward to address their role in perpetuating racism," said American Psychological Association President Jennifer F. Kelly in a statement. . 

The association called "unsuccessful" previous attempts to apologize

for its responsibility in defending racism.

The resolution was adopted by the legislative body of the APA, which is made up of its board of directors, members representing various states and people representing ethnic psychological associations.

Psychologists say that beyond the apology, action is needed to end racism.Alex Brandon / AP

"The governing body within the American Psychological Association should have apologized to the black population earlier," the resolution read.

"The work done to make this apology a reality was led by the people and voices of a broad cross-section of APA members, APA elected and appointed leaders, and staff."

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The resolution says that APA leaders and members are taking their "collective learnings" and evaluations from the past to issue an apology that really makes a difference. 

The document acknowledges that the origins of the discipline are rooted in

and that, in many ways, the field was compliant with the exploitation of black people. 

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The professional association was founded in 1892 with the goal of promoting psychology as a science, but in its efforts to broaden the field, it was also complicit in the denigration of black communities, the resolution says. 

To describe this, the apology details the association's nearly 130-year history of racism, beginning with its promotion of eugenics. 

"The APA was founded by white men, many of whom contributed to scientific research and methods that perpetuated systemic racial oppression

, including promoting early 20th century ideas of eugenics," the resolution read. 

Developed in the 19th century, eugenics is a practice, since denied, that imposes a racial hierarchy. 

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“The APA rejects 'hegemonic science', that is, research focused on identifying and reinforcing alleged white-based hierarchies of human value and will continue to oppose it through culturally sensitive training with ethical approaches, equality, peer review and publications ”, says the resolution.

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The pardon also speaks to psychologists' support for state-sanctioned lynchings of black people, the forced assimilation of indigenous peoples, the criminalization of undocumented immigrants, and the violence perpetuated by the myth of the 'model minority' that often It is used against Asian Americans.  

"The APA formally apologizes to the communities for these actions and inactions,"

says the document. 

The association said it is committed to moving away from the hegemonic white vision in its "science, scholarship and practice."

To support this, the APA will participate in an audit of all of its equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, in addition to its staff, policies and practices, he said.

The audit is scheduled to be completed early next year.

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“By offering an apology for these damages, the APA accepts that the acknowledgment and apology are only true when accompanied by action

;

not only bringing awareness of the past to the present, but also acting to guarantee reconciliation, reparation and renewal ”, the text reads. 

The association added that its three priorities when considering action steps include: producing culturally diverse scholarships and knowledge, expanding opportunities for black students and academics, and improving health equity and clinical practices. . 

"These resolutions are just the first steps in a long process of reconciliation and healing," said Jennifer F. Kelly.

"This important work will pave the way for us to make real change and guide the association and psychology into the future."