FAIR CO Praises Removal of DEI from Credentialing Standards
But warns that new 'cultural responsiveness' standard may mask DEI ideology
A few months ago, the Colorado-based Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) announced in its newsletter that they were removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements from their Continuing Education standards. Because BACB certification serves as a critical prerequisite for licensure in 38 states, the policy shift carries significant weight for professionals and the communities they serve.
The BACB’s stated rationale for this decision, as articulated by CEO Dr. James Carr in a recent podcast, appears to stem from external pressures rather than a commitment to advancing scientific rigor or professional standards. Dr. Carr noted that the decision was made in response to state legislation restricting DEI initiatives on college campuses and emerging legal challenges to BACB certification as a basis for licensure. While acknowledging the disappointment caused to stakeholders, Dr. Carr emphasized that the decision was a pragmatic response to a shifting legal landscape, including state laws, regulatory actions, and broader anti-DEI sentiment at the federal level.
FAIR CO recognizes the complexities of navigating these external pressures. However, we urge the BACB to consider the broader implications of its decision. The BACB’s mission is to “protect consumers of behavior-analytic services by systematically establishing, promoting, and disseminating professional standards.” These standards must be grounded in empirical evidence and aligned with the principles of scientific inquiry and professional autonomy. Research increasingly suggests that ideologically-driven DEI mandates conflict with these principles by prioritizing predetermined outcomes over objective analysis and evidence-based practice.
We respectfully encourage the BACB to reaffirm its commitment to professional standards rooted in empirical evidence, ensuring that all policies—whether related to continuing education or certification requirements—reflect the rigorous, impartial standards that define the field of behavior analysis. By doing so, the BACB can continue to uphold its mission to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the profession in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
