Unanimous ‘we’re sorry’ from psychologists
The largest organization of psychologists in the US has this week officially apologized to people of colour for its role in “promoting, perpetuating and failing to challenge racism, racial discrimination and human hierarchy.” With its unanimous resolution, the American Psychological Association (APA), noted that the apology and willingness to accept responsibility is long overdue. Among other examples of how it has historically promoted racism, the APA acknowledged using models rooted in scientific racism; promulgated ideas of human hierarchy through ideas about racial difference; used psychology to support segregated and subpar education for people of color; used discriminatory tests; and took positions based on eugenics that supported segregation, sterilization, and anti-marriage laws.
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