Enhancing Practitioner Skills Through Research on Systemic Racism and Police Brutality
The field of behavior analysis is undergoing a significant cultural shift, mirroring broader societal changes. This transformation has been catalyzed by the murders of George Floyd and other unarmed Black Americans, which have sparked widespread calls for justice and reform. The Behavior Analysis in Practice Emergency Series of Publications on Systemic Racism and Police Brutality offers invaluable insights for practitioners seeking to improve their skills and contribute to social justice.
Understanding the Series
The series was developed in response to the urgent need for action within the behavior analytic community. It aims to provide practitioners with immediately actionable resources to address systemic racism and police brutality. The editorial team, led by Denisha Gingles and supported by Drs. Jomella Watson-Thompson and Kaston Anderson-Carpenter, has created a platform that uplifts marginalized voices and promotes social justice.
Key Themes and Contributions
- Cultural Responsiveness: Mathur and Rodriguez propose a curriculum for training behavior analysts in cultural responsiveness, integrating critical race theory into practice.
- Practical Guidelines: Melendez et al. provide guidelines for discussing systemic racism with children with autism, emphasizing the importance of teaching all children about racism.
- Culturally Responsive Practices: Colic et al. offer guidelines for working with Black caregivers of children with autism, ensuring culturally responsive care.
- Intercultural Communication: Baires et al. highlight effective listening skills as a means to support intercultural communication through behavior-analytic methods.
- Addressing Internalized Racism: Gingles uses acceptance and commitment training (ACT) to help Black behavior analysts manage their behavior towards fighting anti-Black racism.
Encouraging Further Research
The series not only provides practical tools but also encourages further research into systemic racism within behavior analysis. Articles such as those by Pritchett et al., which critique colonial practices in research, highlight the need for ongoing examination and reform within the field.
The work of Levy et al., which discusses cultural humility and anti-racist practices, underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation by practitioners. By engaging with these materials, practitioners can better understand their role in promoting equity and inclusion.
Taking Action
Practitioners are encouraged to implement the insights from this series actively. Whether through adopting new curricula or engaging in self-reflection on biases, there are numerous ways to contribute to a more socially just future. The series serves as a reminder that social change requires persistent effort and commitment at individual, organizational, and systemic levels.
