The American Psychological Association collaborated with the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race (Div. 45)opens in new window on a letter to President Obama (PDF, 47KB)opens in new window to express support for the administration’s decision to place a hold on the construction of the oil pipeline near the Standing Rock Reservation and his administration’s consideration of alternate routes for the project. The letter was cosigned by APA President Susan McDaniel, PhD, and Div. 45 President Jacqueline Gray, PhD.
The letter expressed concerns regarding human rights and potential adverse neurological effects if the oil were to contaminate the water supply of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Moreover, the letter urged law enforcement to show restraint as they try to diffuse conflicts with protestors.