AKABA Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

The Alaska Association for Behavior Analysis acknowledges the existence of systemic racism and implicit bias, as well as other forms of discrimination and exclusion in our society including, but not limited to sexism, ableism, religious discrimination, and discrimination towards the LGBTQIA+ communities. In the BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts(2020), Behavior analysts are instructed to: 

“behave toward others with compassion, dignity, and respect by treating others equitably, regardless of factors such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/ relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other basis proscribed by law.” (Code, 2020, p. 4)

Within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and its applications, systemic racism and implicit bias impact interactions between supervisors and employees, service providers and caregivers, and practitioners and recipients of services. AKABA also recognizes societal barriers to seeking graduate training in ABA, leading to lack of diversity in our certified professionals. AKABA acknowledges the impact of systemic discrimination in who has access to behavior analytic services and who does not. 

AKABA recognizes the importance of committed action within the mission of the organization and is committed to using a behavior analytic lens to dismantle social injustice, systemic oppression, and racial inequities by specifically targeting training and education for membership, increasing diversity in membership population and leadership, improving access to services in equitable ways, and impacting and informing policy and legislation. AKABA works to foster and develop an inclusive, equitable, and just environment for all individuals and groups within the science and practice of behavior analysis. AKABA maintains an ongoing and vigilant commitment to the advancement of knowledge on DEI issues through study, collaboration, and communication of that knowledge to the scientific community, policy makers, and the public. The association works to increase awareness and understanding, discover and remove barriers to access services and training, to ultimately enrich our AKABA community by diversifying membership and raising the quality of services we provide. 

AKABA Policy on Discrimination and Harassment 

In accordance with the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, AKABA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment against others. The association expects members to behave toward others in an equitable and inclusive manner regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression/identity, immigration status, marital/relationship status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other basis proscribed by law (Code, sec. 1.08). In addition, the association expects all members to refrain from harassing or hostile behavior towards others (Code, sec. 1.09). 

It is expected that all AKABA members as well as non-members who participate in AKABA events treat one another with respect. The AKABA Executive Board will investigate reports of leadership misconduct while engaged in AKABA affiliated activities and reserves the right to revoke membership privileges to any member engaged in behavior not consistent with the values and policies of the association.

Thank you to the Arizona Association for Behavior Analysis for sharing their statement as an example.