Board Statement on the Removal of DEI Coursework & Requirements

Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis’s Response to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) Coursework and Continuing Education requirements

Public Statement
For immediate release
Monday March 31, 2025
Contact: dei@ilaba.org

Fellow ILABA members, applied behavior analysts, colleagues, students, allies, and associations,

History reminds us that progress comes from our ability to reflect, adapt, and evolve. We are reaching out today in response to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB’s) recent decision to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from both its continuing education unit (CEU) requirements and course-content areas.

This decision affects all of us in the field of behavior analysis, no matter what juncture we are in our journey. It is a regressive step that risks undermining years of efforts of those who have advocated and fought for diversified voices and created inclusive spaces, whether in education, research, or in our applied field.

These changes impact how members of our field will seek further continuing education and expertise to serve diverse and marginalized people and communities. These changes also affect the educational training of future professionals certified by the BACB. These changes create barriers rather than bridges – impacting how future professionals are trained, how current practitioners continue their professional education, and ultimately, how well we serve diverse and vulnerable populations.

ILABA will commit to the following DEI based initiatives

• Affirming DEI as ILABA’s mission.
• Providing safe discussion spaces to encourage dialogue and respectful discourse with moderators that is initiated through our membership, students, and other professionals.
• As a Board, demonstrating inclusive and equitable practices, opportunities, and communication with membership and other stakeholders.
• Continuing to support marginalized groups and include diverse professionals and topics at our annual conference to make sure our continuing education efforts are rooted in education equity.

We are calling upon our broader community for collective action. We invite your organization to join us in solidarity in one of the following ways

1. Issue your own public message of solidarity, or
2. Sign on as a supporter of our statement, allowing your organization’s logo to  be displayed alongside others committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field.

We believe this is a time for organizations with similar values to show their unwavering commitment to progress. We must continue to advocate for a field that welcomes diverse voices and ensures equitable access for all.

If you are interested in supporting or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Sincerely,

ILABA Board Members