In light of this week’s news from Columbia University involving APA Past President (2013-14), Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D., the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Board of Trustees today issued this statement to the APA membership and the public:  

“In the aftermath of a racist and hurtful Twitter post by a past president of the APA from earlier this week, the APA Board of Trustees reiterates its position that both racism and sexism harm the APA as an organization, the field of psychiatry, and the people and communities we serve. Past APA presidents do not speak for, or on behalf of, the APA.   

As we articulated within our apology a year ago, racism should not have a place in the APA or within psychiatry. To be a truly anti-racist organization, we must be accountable to our commitment and to each other and call out racism when we see it.  

The APA embarked on implementing anti-racism measures approved by the Board of Trustees and will continue to hold firm to that promise. Systemic changes to racism and oppression are a journey and we must continue to have honest reflection and do the necessary work that will challenge us to create lasting change in the way that we see and value each other.  

The APA remains steadfast and committed to its anti-racist agenda that promotes equity in mental health for all and will continue to educate our leaders, our members, and our patients in understanding and identifying racism and bias (conscious and unconscious) with the goal of achieving the social equality, health equity, and fairness that all human beings deserve.”    

American Psychiatric Association 
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.