Policy Shifts Impacting Our Field: APA and APASI Actions
Dear Colleagues,
Given the recent shifts in the political landscape and the potential for many of these actions to impact our field, I am passing on information that I have received from APA regarding concerns about the scope and content of the directives issued by the new presidential administration.
APA and APASI are closely monitoring the policy announcements, federal hiring restrictions, executive orders (EO), and forthcoming regulatory changes. Their goals are to identify potential impacts on our discipline and to develop proactive engagement strategies. They intend to remain firmly grounded in their values and mission using psychological science and expertise to benefit society and improve lives remaining committed to scientific integrity, non-partisanship, and meaningful engagement despite any shifts in the political landscape.
Here are some of the issues that are currently being assessed and addressed by APA and APASI:
Temporary Suspension of Scientific Meetings:
The suspension of federal scientific meetings (e.g., study sections) is not unprecedented. Incoming administrations often pause meetings and external communications during transitions to allow new leadership to develop strategies and plans. At the same time, we understand how disruptive the pauses can be to ongoing work. APA is monitoring this closely and engaging with federal agencies to explain the consequences of such pauses and to explore solutions. We are working with our partners, joining forces to advocate for the importance of research to continue uninterrupted.
Key Actions Contradicting APA’s Values and Affecting the Work of our Field:
Actions such as the federal hiring freeze, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the withdrawal from groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) have far-reaching implications for psychological science and practice. APA is conducting thorough reviews of these and other changes and determining, on a case-by-case basis, how to respond most effectively. For example, we are actively engaged in rectifying and clarifying the hiring freezes on health service providers and trainees in government settings. As a result of coalition advocacy, the VA determined that essential healthcare positions such as psychologists at the Department of Veterans Affairs are exempt from the government-wide hiring freeze.
Cabinet Nominations:
We are urging policymakers to support nominees who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, science-based policymaking, and the health and well-being of all Americans. We will continue to work with the Senate to assess these nominees based on their qualifications, adherence to these principles, and their commitment to integrity and transparency.
Educating Key Partners and the Media. We are in regular touch with our coalition partners, policymakers, and reporters to share resources. Sometimes we may speak out publicly, often we will leverage our relationships with key members of Congress and the executive branch, or educate reporters behind the scenes. If you feel you have expertise that might be needed, submit your information to our media referral database so APA staff can share your name with reporters as an expert.
Federal Assistance and Grants:
The Trump administration issued memo M-25-13 for all federal agencies to temporarily freeze payments on all federal assistance and grants, including those issued to research entities, hospitals, universities, and community projects, while the administration conducts a review of these programs, ensuring that they align with President Trump’s recent executive orders halting programs on immigration, foreign aid, DEI , gender identity, and the environment. The pause initiated January 28, at 5pm EST, and the internal programmatic review runs through February 10. The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had already worked with the Department of Education (DOE) on exempting Pell Grants and Direct Loans: “Per the OMB memo issued, the temporary pause does not impact assistance received by individuals.” Title IV (Higher Education Act) funds are provided to individual students and are not impacted by the freeze. APA staff is in contact with DOE officials to ascertain the impact of the freeze on Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) funding that goes to individuals yet is dispersed first through institutions. APA/APASI Assessment: While there is likely to be litigation to determine whether the directive violates the Budget and Impoundment Control Act, any injunction will probably occur later than the start of the funding pause.
Transgender Individuals/Rights:
It is still unclear what exactly the implications of this EO will fully be. While we are taking most of the EOs very seriously, it is also important to remember that although they do set policy, they are not law and do no supersede civil rights laws, for example, nor do they set legal precedent. It is highly probable that many provisions in these orders violate a number of laws, and there will certainly be litigation, as we have already seen last week related to birthright citizenship. As Dr. Evans stated in his note, we are keeping a close eye on all of this as it develops, and being thoughtful and measured in how and when we respond. We will of course keep you apprised of any changes. That being said, there are several resources that might be useful to you:
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HRC has a very good summary of the executive orders impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
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The Trevor Project has some resources to support LGBTQ+ youth.
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Education Week is featuring a list of resources for educators that could be useful in other settings as well.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Michelle Dawson, PsyD
Federal Advocacy Coordinator, Colorado |
