Welcome

As some of you may already know, we have been in communication with APA’s Board of Directors regarding the note from the Conference Chair accompanying the May Spring Meeting call for papers.

On June 8, I received a letter from the APA Board requesting that the note be removed from SPPP’s public-facing platforms pending review by the Division Engagement Office. The Board expressed concern both about whether the material had undergone required review and whether aspects of its framing could be perceived as inconsistent with APA policy, including APA’s 2026 Resolution on Antisemitism.

Two weeks ago, APA President Wendi Williams and CEO Arthur Evans also released an update identifying this matter as an example of a division communication that had bypassed review procedures and become the subject of complaints regarding antisemitism.

I know many members held differing reactions to the framing of the Spring Meeting call for papers. I want to be clear that our agreement to remove the statement for review should not be understood as agreement that it violated any APA policy. We have been equally clear that our willingness to comply does not reflect any concession of wrongdoing.

Furthermore, I do not believe that the existence of complaints alone settles questions of policy violation or antisemitism, particularly given that APA’s updated resolution defines antisemitism as hatred of Jews as Jews. I am sure some of you will appreciate the position we have taken while others will not. I will continue to keep you informed as this process unfolds.

Dana Charatan, PsyD
SPPP President