Republicans on the House Education and Workforce Committee are accusing the American Psychological Association of antisemitism, releasing a 22-page report last week that scrutinizes the organization's conduct in the days following the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The report draws on public Listservs and internal communications at the APA, the leading organization representing psychologists in the United States, according to the lawmakers.
"APA leaders have too often minimized complaints, accommodated individuals promoting antisemitic rhetoric, and embraced political approaches to psychology that deepen divisions within the profession," the Republican lawmakers wrote.
Among the examples cited, some members wrote on a Listserv after the attack that Hamas was "protecting civilians" and deserved "kudos." Another member described Oct. 7 as "the only signs of life and resistance" for Palestinians, the report said.
The report also describes resistance to Jewish psychologists who sought to establish an official subgroup within the organization. According to the report, the pushback came on the grounds that the psychologists "benefitted from white privilege," even though the APA has permitted similar groups for Black and Arab psychologists.
As a consequence, House Republicans recommended stripping the APA of its power to accredit college programs.
Wendi Williams, the president of the APA, rejected the allegations and said the organization "unequivocally condemns antisemitism in all its forms."
"Since these concerns were first brought to A.P.A.'s attention, A.P.A. has taken meaningful steps to ensure that Jewish members, like all members, can participate fully and safely in the organization and the profession," Williams added.
