APA's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Framework

I am pleased to share with you APA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework.

Never has APA’s guiding principle of actively championing equity, diversity, and inclusion been so critical. These are not simply words on a page. They reflect the core values that guide us as a scientific and professional organization using psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

You may recall in 2018, APA commissioned Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D. to work with many of you to create an EDI Framework as a resource that positions APA to drive toward leadership and excellence in EDI. The release of this resource today is the culmination of your invaluable input and feedback; it stands on the shoulders of decades of research and advocacy by many. We appreciate your involvement and continued support to advance EDI and APA’s strategic priorities.

The newly released EDI Framework is a foundational tool that illustrates our strongly held belief that EDI is a cornerstone of our work and should be meaningfully infused into all aspects of what we do and how we make decisions. The framework will provide critical backing and support as you engage in psychological practice and communication with your peers, partners, and other stakeholders.

Specifically, the framework is intended to:

• Promote the coordination and streamlining of EDI efforts across the association for maximum impact;
• Build knowledge and a common ‘language’ that we all can use to talk about EDI (reflective of the resolution just passed by Council); and
• Support APA’s long-term strategy toward dismantling systemic inequities that exist within the association, discipline, and society.

Dr. Maysa Akbar, APA’s Chief Diversity Officer is leading efforts to develop a strategic, systematic, and coordinated approach to EDI for the association, which begins with this EDI Framework.

Dr. Akbar has engaged many of you since her arrival in January. It is clear that each of us are at different stages in our journey, but none of us can do it alone. The APA EDI Office will support your strategic efforts to achieve an equitable, inclusive, and diverse psychology.

Thanks to Dr. Akbar and Dr. Evans for their leadership and to all of you for your continued efforts as we forge ahead to make sustainable and impactful change. I look forward to engaging in this work with you all and improving the association and the field of psychology.

Sincerely,

Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP

2021 APA President