The American Psychological Association has officially apologized for past actions that it says contributed to systemic racism, including the role its founders played in promoting eugenics.

A resolution adopted by APA's House of Delegates on Oct. 29 acknowledges the association "failed in its role leading the discipline of psychology, was complicit in contributing to systemic inequities, and hurt many through racism, racial discrimination, and denigration of communities of color, thereby falling short on its mission to benefit society and improve lives," according to a statement.

APA delegates also adopted two related resolutions pledging to use psychology to dismantle systemic racism in the U.S. and to work towards advancing health equality.

"For the first time, APA and American psychology are systematically and intentionally examining, acknowledging and charting a path forward to address their roles in perpetuating racism," APA President Jennifer F. Kelly said. "These resolutions are just the first steps in a long process of reconciliation and healing."

The apology lays out several ways APA and psychology in general contributed to modern racial inequalities, including the failure to recognize and promote psychologies from communities of colors. The resolution noted that APA was founded by a "White male leadership" and many of those founders were proponents of eugenics—a now-discredited scientific discipline that asserted there are deep biological differences between races and that humanity could be improved through breeding out undesirable traits.

The resolution directs APA to perform a comprehensive audit of all its equity, diversity, inclusion and other antiracism-related activities. The findings will be used to direct further action. In the meantime, the association must establish and share metrics on progress toward the objectives of diversifying the field and promoting health equity.

APA is not the first association to grapple with its racist history. Earlier this year, the American Historical Association and American Psychiatric Association acknowledged their past roles in contributing to systemic racism and pledged corrective action. The National Association of Realtors apologized in November 2020 for past policies that contributed to segregation and racial inequality.

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