The American Psychological Association (APA) has disbanded the Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, and Training (CEMRRAT), sparking concerns about its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This decision follows a series of actions perceived as undermining DEI efforts within the organization.

CEMRRAT's Historical Role

CEMRRAT historically played a vital role in advancing issues related to ethnic minorities. The commission provided crucial resources through implementation grants and seed funding for projects focused on recruitment, retention, multicultural training, and mentorship.

Supporting Psychologists of Color

CEMRRAT also developed essential documents to support and retain faculty of color, directly addressing the historical and ongoing challenges experienced by racial and ethnic minorities within the APA and the broader field of psychology.

A Pattern of Dismantling DEI Initiatives

The disbanding of CEMRRAT is not an isolated incident. It is part of a concerning pattern of actions that appear to dismantle DEI initiatives within the APA. This follows a previous suspension of CEMRRAT’s budget, impacting many APA members of color.

Accreditation Guidelines Relaxed

Last year, the APA relaxed accreditation guidelines aimed at diversifying psychology graduate programs. The APA justified these changes by citing state-level anti-DEI laws, but critics suggest a deliberate shift away from prioritizing diversity.

Contrasting Research and APA Actions

The APA’s actions stand in contrast to extensive research demonstrating the benefits of DEI. The ease with which CEMRRAT was dismantled suggests that DEI were not truly core values of the organization.

Concerns from the Association for Black Psychologists

The Association for Black Psychologists (ABPsi) has voiced concerns, characterizing a previous APA apology to people of color as potentially disingenuous. They suggest it was designed to obscure the organization’s shortcomings.

Taskforce and Demographic Disparities

A recent taskforce was established to document harms inflicted upon racial and ethnic minorities by the APA and advise on amends. However, concerns were raised that the taskforce might be performative. The field currently has a significant demographic disparity, with Black psychologists comprising only 4% compared to 86% White psychologists.

The decision to dismantle CEMRRAT, tasked with addressing this issue, signals a troubling message about the APA’s priorities and willingness to address systemic inequities. It raises questions about future apologies and whether they will be accompanied by genuine change.