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APA Suspends Diversity Requirement for Psychology Programs Amidst Political Pressure
In a significant shift, the American Psychological Association (APA), the leading authority for mental health training standards, has opted to temporarily halt its mandate requiring postgraduate programs to demonstrate a commitment to diversity in their recruitment and hiring practices. This decision arrives as accrediting organizations across higher education navigate challenges in responding to an executive order from President Trump targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The suspension raises concerns about efforts to diversify the psychology profession, a field that currently lacks representation from various racial and ethnic groups, particularly as young Americans experience increased mental health challenges.
Accreditation Under Scrutiny
The APA serves as the primary accrediting body for psychology training programs and is the sole entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It grants accreditation to approximately 1,300 programs, encompassing doctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies, making its decisions highly influential in the field of psychology.
President Trump has specifically targeted accrediting bodies as part of his campaign against DEI programs. He has publicly criticized these organizations, suggesting that they have allowed educational institutions to be influenced by radical ideologies and has proposed the acceptance of applications for alternative accreditors.
DOJ Pressure and ABA Precedent
Recent weeks have seen increased pressure from Department of Justice officials on accrediting bodies. The American Bar Association (ABA) received a letter warning of potential status revocation unless diversity mandates were rescinded. Subsequently, in late February, the ABA voted to suspend its diversity and inclusion standard for law schools, setting a precedent.
The APA’s concession holds particular weight given the association’s historical support for diversity initiatives. The organization has prioritized combating racism in recent years, even issuing a formal apology in 2021 for its past role in perpetuating racism through actions such as promoting eugenic theories.
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Concerns over Presidential Order Prompted Suspension
Aaron Joyce, the APA’s senior director of accreditation, explained that the choice to suspend the diversity stipulation was prompted by a “substantial influx of concerns and inquiries” from programs. These programs expressed apprehension about potential conflicts with the presidential order.
Dr. Joyce noted that numerous institutions reported receiving guidance from their legal counsel to discontinue diversity-related activities, fearing that maintaining these programs could jeopardize their accreditation status.
“The Commission aims to avoid placing programs in a precarious position where their existence is threatened due to conflicting institutional guidelines” and accreditation requirements, Dr. Joyce stated.
Deliberation and Core Values
Dr. Joyce refrained from disclosing the specific vote count from the March 13 decision, which followed roughly three weeks of debate. “This was by no means a straightforward decision and was treated with utmost seriousness,” he affirmed. “The comprehension of individual and cultural diversity is a fundamental aspect of psychological practice.”
However, the commission decided to maintain a separate diversity-related standard, requiring programs to educate trainees on respecting cultural and individual variances to ensure effective patient care. When evaluating each standard, the commission weighed “potential risks to programs” against “essential elements of psychology practice that are indispensable,” he elaborated.
Reactions to the APA Decision
Kevin Cokley, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, expressed deep disappointment upon learning about the APA’s decision through a psychology forum this week.
“Frankly, this determination is deeply troubling, especially considering the recognized importance of diverse mental health professionals,” Dr. Cokley asserted. “It is unclear how the APA can make such a decision while claiming to uphold the highest training standards.”
He suggested that the APA’s action was premature, arguing that the association could have waited for a direct challenge from the administration before taking action.
“There is always an element of choice,” he stated. “This appears to be a clear instance of the APA engaging in anticipatory compliance, acting out of apprehension about potential repercussions.”
Diversity in Psychology Workforce
APA data indicates that the psychology workforce is not representative of the general population. In 2023, over 78% of practicing psychologists identified as White, while 5.5% were Black, 4.4% Asian, and 7.8% Latino. This contrasts with the broader U.S. population demographics, which are approximately 58% White, 13.7% Black, 6.4% Asian, and 19.5% Latino.
Conversely, the demographic composition of graduate students in Ph.D. programs shows greater alignment with national averages. According to APA data from 2022, 54% of doctoral students were White, 10% Black, 10% Asian, and 11% Latino.
John Dovidio, emeritus professor of psychology at Yale and author of “Unequal Health: Anti-Black Racism and the Threat to America’s Health,” noted the significant role of the APA’s diversity focus in recruitment in driving this positive shift.
“Departments take this matter with utmost seriousness,” he affirmed. “I have personally witnessed the impact.”
“Interim Action” Amidst Legal Uncertainty
The announcement memorandum described the suspension as an “interim action pending further court guidance” on President Trump’s executive order, which received affirmation from a federal appeals court on March 13. The order, the memo states, “is currently legally binding while litigation is ongoing.”
Cynthia Jackson Hammond, president of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which oversees more than 70 accreditation groups, described direct governmental mandates to such bodies as “unprecedented.”
“Historically, government and higher education have maintained an independent and collaborative relationship,” she explained. “For decades, a healthy separation has existed, until recently.”
Governmental Influence on Accreditation
The federal government’s involvement in accreditation began after World War II with the influx of veterans into universities via the G.I. Bill. Accrediting organizations undergo regular reviews by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, which advises the Secretary of Education on their continued recognition.
However, Ms. Jackson Hammond emphasized that government officials had never previously utilized this influence to impose ideological directives on higher education. She reiterated that diversity in recruitment remains a critical challenge for higher education, underscoring the continued relevance of the suspended standard.
“Reflecting on the historical composition of our institutions,” she cautioned, “serves as a potential indicator of future demographics if dedicated attention to diversity is lacking.”