Date: May 25, 2005
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APA CONDEMNS RECENT ACADEMIC BOYCOTT ADOPTED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS

WASHINGTON - The American Psychological Association (APA) in support of the American Association of University Professor's recent position against academic boycotts denounced today the Association of University Teachers' resolution to curtail academic freedom.

In a letter sent to the General Secretary of the Association of University Teachers, the APA in conjunction with the American Association of University Professors' earlier statement condemns and calls for the repeal of the resolution adopted by the Association of University Teachers that restricts the academic freedom of scientific information.

The APA adheres to the tenets of the free circulation of scientists, as articulated by the International Council of Science and actively supports freedom in the conduct of science, promoting equitable access to scientific data and information and facilitating science education and capacity building. Furthermore, the APA hopes that this boycott can be repealed in a manner consistent with these global ideals.

"The actions of the Association of University Teachers have sparked concern throughout the academic community. These actions represent a real threat to academic fields of all kinds. Psychology is no exception, with its rapidly growing network of international and cross-cultural collaborations. As in all fields of science, psychology cherishes academic freedom," said Steven Breckler, Ph.D., APA's Executive Director for Science.

The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 150,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 53 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare.

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