The American Psychiatric Association’s Apology for Racism

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently released a powerful statement, acknowledging and apologizing for its role in perpetuating racism through medical science. In doing so they committed to making amends and becoming a force for racial justice.

It’s fascinating to consider how the APA reached this point. Racism in Psychiatry by Thomas and Sillen, a comprehensive overview published in 1972, presents many of the then current concerns that the field continues to struggle with today. It was not the first work on the subject. An abundance of similarly informed criticism has been produced over the past 50-plus years highlighting psychiatry’s support of and participation in systemic racism. The APA released a historical addendum to their initial statement, further elaborating on their hands-on role in the oppression of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

They cite “events in 2020,” which certainly have disturbed individuals and organizations to action like never before. Since the sadistic murder of George Floyd, we have seen similar statements from organizations large and small, where countless unfathomably horrific and publicized crimes against BIPOC failed to elicit such a response.

In many ways this statement is a model for what most every organization in the US needs to begin their process of healing from our brutal history and current manifestations of White supremacy. Through taking responsibility in this manner, engaging in self-reflection, and committing to reparative action, the APA is positioning themselves as potential leaders within the movement for racial justice. To do so they mustn’t join the ranks of those whose actions ended with press releases from the wordsmiths. The APA taking a true leadership role would be a win for all humanity.

I am curious as to which BIPOC organizations the APA will be accountable to and how they will demonstrate their progress. I would love to see them work in partnership with other mental health and medical organizations in this quest. The call now is for courageous action from all aspects of American life, from individuals and families to institutions, towards truth and reconciliation, so we can, in the words of Langston Hughes, “let America be America again, the land that never has been yet, and yet must be, the land where every man is free.”