APA members to consider bylaws amendments

At the APA Council of Representatives meeting in February, council members approved sending to the APA membership for a vote two proposed bylaws amendments.

One would create a process to remove a member from an APA board or committee when there is reasonable cause, and the other would add the characteristic of gender identity to APA's no-discrimination policy. Council voted not to include pro/con statements with the bylaws amendment ballot.

The ballot will be sent to APA members on Nov. 1 with the Apportionment Ballot.

Below are the proposed bylaws amendments; underlined text is to be added.

Bylaw article XI, Boards and Committees, Section 1

1. If a standing board or committee believes that there is reasonable cause to remove a member from said body, a vote may be taken by the board or committee to petition the Board of Directors to remove said member. If, with the exception of the individual in question, 2/3 of all members vote to remove said member, then a petition requesting removal shall inform the Board of Directors of the basis for, and the evidence supporting, said removal. The Board of Directors shall give said member the opportunity to fully respond in writing to the petition. The Board of Directors, by a 2/3 vote of all members, may remove said member if it determines that there is reasonable cause for removal and that removal is in the best interest of the Association.

Bylaw article III, Bill of Rights for Members, Section 2

2. All Members, Fellows, and Associate members and Affiliates shall be treated with respect and without discrimination on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability. This does not preclude the Association from fulfilling its obligation to carry out activities or programs that have as their goal the amelioration of conditions that may restrict Members from full participation in the Association or its activities and programs.