Solidarity: The Role of Non-Black People of Color in Promoting Racial Equity
Non-Black BCBAs should use their cultural spot to push for racial equity every day.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Li (2021) wrote a position paper. It asks non-Black BCBAs to stand up for Black clients and co-workers.
The paper is not a study with kids or data. It is a call to action for the whole field.
What they found
The author says silence keeps racism alive. Non-Black analysts have extra power to break the cycle.
Using our own ABA tools—task analysis, reinforcement, rule-governed behavior—can make equity happen.
How this fits with other research
Sevon (2022) takes the same idea into schools. The paper shows Black students get disciplined more. It tells BCBAs to write behavior plans that fight this gap.
Ćolić et al. (2022) give the voices behind the call. They sum up interviews with Black caregivers who feel ignored and judged during autism services. The stories show why solidarity is needed.
Crowe et al. (2021) widen the lens again. They link racism and disableism in the school-to-prison track. Together the four papers form a chain: wake up, listen, then act.
Why it matters
You can start today. Ask Black caregivers how the system feels to them. Add their goals to the BIP. Share your seat at the IEP table when a Black colleague is talked over. Small acts pile into big change.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Multicultural behavior analysts must stand together to address the issues of systemic racism collectively, show solidarity, and support Black lives. This article discusses the role of culturally and linguistically diverse behavior analysts, the mechanisms underlying barriers to showing solidarity, and the mechanisms required for cultural evolution to promote a compassionate and nurturing approach to racial equity. It is critical that non-Black people of color actively participate in antiracist advocacy to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2021 · doi:10.1007/s40617-020-00498-9