The president and CEO of the American Psychological Association dismissed the findings of a House report alleging antisemitism within the organization, telling colleagues on Thursday that the APA had held listening sessions with Jewish psychologists.
“The APA’s actions not only create a harmful environment for Jewish members but also raise broader concerns about the profession,” a spokesperson for the House Committee on Education and Workforce told JNS.
“When an organization responsible for accrediting psychology programs and shaping professional standards allows ideology to overshadow scholarship, it risks undermining the credibility of the entire field,” the spokesperson said.
Released Thursday, the committee’s report concluded that anti-Israel and anti-Jewish activists had “successfully co-opted” the association.
Internal emails reviewed by the committee showed that APA leaders removed references to terrorism from a statement about Oct. 7 after an affiliated group objected.
The report also described opposition to recognizing a Jewish ethnic psychological association. Critics reportedly argued that Jews benefited from “white privilege.”
“The committee will not only continue to stand up for Jewish psychologists but will work to expose antisemitism wherever it occurs,” the committee spokesperson told JNS.
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After the report was published, APA President Wendi S. Williams and CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., sent an email to colleagues, which JNS reviewed.
“We don’t agree with this report,” they wrote. “The American Psychological Association unequivocally condemns antisemitism in all its forms.”
The association said it had “held listening sessions with more than 120 Jewish psychologists and stakeholders to better understand concerns” and had “established a Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists to support continued engagement.”
“We recognize that this work requires continued attention and action, and we remain committed to advancing APA’s mission to promote well-being and respect for all,” Williams and Evans wrote.
The Anti-Defamation League released a statement Friday, provided to JNS, thanking the House committee for its report.
“Antisemitism at the American Psychological Association is not isolated,” the organization stated. “It is embedded in its ranks and in its leadership.”
The ADL said that it and other Jewish organizations had “publicly and privately told APA leadership exactly what needed to change, and it failed to act” for more than a year.
“When a healing profession treats one group’s pain with such indifference, Jewish patients are right to wonder whether they will be met with compassion or with contempt,” the ADL stated.