On the anniversary of George Floyd’s death this Tuesday, The American Psychiatric Association (APA) sent an email to all members calling for psychiatrists to use “anti-racism” in their profession, as reported by The Daily Wire.
Psychiatrists were encouraged to implement “anti-racism” initiatives and commit to fostering “mental health equity for all.” The email referenced an article in Psychiatry News titled “How to Incorporate Anti-Racism Into Psychiatric Practice.”
Ibram X. Kendi, a prominent figure on the left, accelerated the conversation about anti-racism after the publishing of his book “How to Be an Antiracist.” Kendi claims America is systemically racist and argues the way individuals should be treated is based on their skin color. One of the primary tenets of critical race theory that in order to not be racist, one must be “anti-racist.”
Included in the email was a document called “How Psychiatrists Can Talk with Patients and Their Families About Race and Racism.” It defines typical critical race theory-related terms, such as “racial bias,” “microaggressions,” and others. The document includes a survey for psychiatrists to probe patients about their racism, and several different case studies. The case studies provide supposed examples of racism between a patient and mental health professional. Below is the document that was first obtained by The Daily Wire.
Resource Document 2020 How … by The Federalist
Similar race-based initiatives have cropped up in the field of psychiatry. Fourth-year resident Ayala Danzig in the Yale Department of Psychiatry said in the letter that professionals ought to “audit” patients. This would include eliminating disparities in drug prescription based on race — even though an individual needing a medication may vary by identity in all sorts of ways.
“Ask yourself: What does it look like for you to center anti-racism,” said Danzig. “Does it mean introducing a sliding scale to help patients who can’t pay? Does it mean taking more Medicare and Medicaid patients than before? Does it mean taking a more active role in your local residence program to advocate for a more diverse residency class?”
The APA declined to comment to The Federalist on the email and its contents.
