January 1, House Investigates Antisemitism at Psychology Group

Wyatt’s Take

• House lawmakers are digging into claims of antisemitism at the American Psychological Association.
• Serious accusations say the group allowed hate against Jews and downplayed real concerns.
• Even teaching materials and journals are under fire for pushing dangerous ideas.

Congress is taking a hard look at the American Psychological Association after new complaints about antisemitism. Lawmakers want answers from a group that influences classrooms, therapy, and research all across America.

An open letter last February called out the APA for “insensitivity towards Jews, a lack of concern regarding antisemitism, minimization of aggression towards the Jewish people, and outright hostility and prejudice towards Jews and Jewish heritage.”

There are claims that some APA message boards and events praised groups like Hamas and spread harmful messages about Jewish people. The committee pointed out that members could earn education credits at talks where speakers pushed “violence against Jews and Israelis; antisemitic tropes; Holocaust distortion; minimization of Jewish victimization, fear, and grief; and pathologizing of Jewish people’s connection to their indigenous homeland.”

Jewish advocacy organizations blasted the APA’s journal for labeling Israel as a “settler colonial” and “apartheid” state, and using phrases like “genocide” and “Palestinian freedom fighters” that many see as rewriting history and excusing violence against Jews.

One former APA division president allegedly called Zionism a mental illness, said Israelis are “genocidal f**ks,” and defended Hamas after their attacks on Israel. After October 7, they reportedly wrote of Hamas, “how dare you slander the names of our martyrs as terrorists.”

Some divisions inside the APA are also trying to change how the group defines antisemitism. They’re calling to reject the well-known International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, and instead say accusations of antisemitism can be used to “silence and punish people of color.”

Congress says it’s time the APA explains its actions. Middle Americans who value fairness and truth want to know their voices are being heard. Stay tuned as leaders push for real accountability on this important issue.

Wyatt Matters

Our communities depend on trusted experts to guide mental health and education. When big organizations turn a blind eye to hate, it chips away at our basic sense of fairness. Folks across our towns deserve to know the truth is respected and prejudice has no place in any American institution.

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