Assessing progress and acknowledging gaps

The Racial Equity Audit Report (PDF, 1.9MB)opens in new window provides a critical baseline from which the association can set priorities and a snapshot of APA’s current efforts to advance racial equity. The results of the audit will facilitate the development of an action plan for system-wide change.

The audit identified areas of high engagement as well as gaps. It highlighted opportunities where APA can make an substantial impact and create transformational change in the association, field, and society.

Current initiatives carried out by boards, committees, divisions, and staff, were categorized into three primary areas of focus—knowledge production and scholarship; training, pathways, and workforce development; and clinical practice and health equity.

APA’s efforts in this category constituted 21% of the EDI initiatives. They included initiatives on promoting inclusive and equitable education and dismantling systemic and structural racism throughout psychology education.

Example: The APA Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education’s Introductory Psychology Initiative incorporates student learning outcomes that foster antiracist attitudes by educating students about individual and cultural differences.

These initiatives constituted 38% of EDI initiatives and included work on improving the recruitment and retention of psychology faculty and students of color as well as organizational culture shifts aimed at dismantling structures rooted in Whiteness.

Example: APA Journals has released an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Toolkit for Journal Editors that includes resources, standards, and initiatives that enable editors to support and strengthen their journal’s EDI efforts.

The remaining 41% of EDI initiatives fell under this category and included work concerning professional issues in practice related to health equity and utilizing psychological science to inform public education and resources that address health inequities.

Example: APA’s Health Equity portfolio has created a Health Equity Assessment Tip Sheet for Mental Health Providers that provides guidance for uncovering policies and procedures and developing resources that promote more equitable practices.

• APA is engaged in a wide array of racial equity activities, but the work lacks coordination.
• The audit provides a snapshot that informs APA’s racial equity work. The next step will require prioritizing actions and determining where APA and psychology can make the most impact.
• Data captured in the audit did not demonstrate a direct link to the intended goals and outcomes of the various initiatives. APA must develop a mechanism for assessing the accountability of APA as it engages in a long-term commitment to dismantling racism and addressing racial equity.

In the coming months, APA will gather input from members; divisions; governance; state, provincial, and territorial psychological associations; and allies through an open comment portal and other engagement opportunities to inform a longer-range action plan. This plan will be presented to the Council of Representatives for consideration and approval in August 2022.

To learn more about the EDI work APA is spearheading, see our Inclusive Language Guidelines, racism, bias, and discrimination resources, and comprehensive EDI Framework.