APBA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As many of you are aware, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) announced revisions in its March 2025 newsletter regarding the 2027 coursework and continuing education requirements for BCBA® and BCaBA® certification levels. For those who have not read the newsletter, a link is provided at the end of this statement. These changes have generated significant concern among many in our profession, particularly from those who have long advocated for explicit and sustained commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in behavior analysis and for those who have been marginalized and oppressed.
The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) recognizes that these changes have sparked deep concerns in our professional community and have led to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty for many practitioners. We hear these concerns, and we take them seriously. The APBA Board of Directors is carefully reviewing the newsletter announcement, gathering additional information, and engaging in thoughtful discussions to determine the most appropriate course of action.
APBA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that cultural responsiveness, equity, and inclusion remain at the forefront of professional development and practice in behavior analysis. APBA has no plans to reduce or revise its own DEI-related activities. Our commitment to DEI efforts is written in our bylaws, including a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Board. APBA’s DEI committee created a freely available resource titled Guidance on Creating Values Committed to Equity and Social Justice for Professional Organizations and curates our quarterly DEI webinar series. This committee will be working directly with APBA’s Board of Directors to gather data and create a long-term action plan to ensure that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are imbedded within APBA’s practices and policies. As part of that process, APBA is working to create a comprehensive position statement outlining our current and future commitment to fostering an inclusive and socially just environment in our practice. We will collaborate with our affiliate organizations and involve our membership through these activities, keeping you informed as this work progresses.
This is an important time for our profession—one that calls for continued reflection, open dialogue, and collective efforts to uphold the principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. APBA will continue to listen, engage, and act in alignment with our mission to promote and advance the science-based practice of applied behavior analysis and ensure that our profession continues to evolve in ways that reflect its ethical and social responsibilities. Please watch for member surveys and announcements in your inboxes in the coming months.
Links to Resources