Update from Division 53 Representatives to APA Council

By Mary Louise Cashel, PhD & Timothy Cavell, PhD
SCCAP Representatives to APA Council

The APA Council of Representatives (COR) met on October 29-30, 2021. At this meeting two landmark resolutions were passed: 1) Apology for the Role of the American Psychological Association in Promoting, Perpetuating, and Failing to Challenge Racism, Discrimination and the Human Hierarchy in the United States and 2) Role of Psychology and the American Psychological Association in Dismantling Systematic Racism in the United States. These were adopted unanimously as policy that aligns with APA’s Strategic Plan and Guiding Principles, including championing diversity and inclusion and the promotion of human rights. A third accompanying resolution that was approved by Council was a policy statement on advancing health equity in psychology.

Among other business, two sets of guidelines were adopted: One was for Psychological Practice with Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, and the other was for Optimal Use of Social Media in Professional Psychology Practice. Council also approved a motion supporting the decision by the Centers for Disease Control to include “mental health conditions” as underlying medical conditions associated with severe illness and mortality from COVID-19.

Also approved was an important amendment to Association Rules that established a twelve-year, lifetime term limit for those serving on APA’s Council of Representatives. This limit does not include service on APA’s Board of Directors or on other APA Boards or Committees. This amendment also left in place a rule that allows no more than six consecutive years as a Council member. Council also voted to appoint at least one, and up to three, ombudspersons who “provide an opportunity and a process by which Council members of historically marginalized identities may address microaggressions and other overt attempts to dismiss, diminish, or at times silence their input at Council.” Ombudspersons will not be members of Council but will be appointed by the Council Leadership Team and will serve a 3-year term.

The spring COR meeting will be held virtually on February 25 & 26, 2022. Several sets of guidelines will be reviewed, including those for child custody evaluations, ethical conduct of research involving high school student participants, and the care and use of nonhuman animals. Resolutions on poverty, socioeconomic status, and population health are also slated for discussion.

Finally, please be aware that our own division (Division 53, SCCAP) will soon hold board elections. Ballots will be e-mailed April 15 , and members will be asked to vote for President Elect, Treasurer, Member at Large, and APA Council Representative. Please be sure to cast your votes!