In the March 2025 BACB newsletter, the BACB announced changes to 2027 coursework and CEU requirements. These changes involved the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that were initially planned for 2027. These changes were implemented as a result of recent anti-DEI political initiatives.
Like many behavior-analytic professionals, I express frustration and disappointment with this decision. The rollback of efforts to educate and promote diversity and inclusion raises concerns about the future of equitable access, cultural competency, and representation within the ABA field. It should be clear that this decision not only impacts ABA clinicians but also the diverse populations we serve.
BABA's Response
Black Applied Behavior Analysts (BABA), an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering the Black community within ABA, released a public statement in response to the BACB's elimination of DEI efforts. Their statement expressed deep concerns over the impact this decision will have on marginalized communities. It was a well-written and thoughtful response. I highly encourage all ABA professionals to read and reflect on their response.
If you agree with the statement BABA published, please sign this form, standing in solidarity!
What Specifically is Changing?
There are two main changes with the rollback of DEI efforts. These include:
Elimination of DEI Coursework The 2027 requirements initially included a change to coursework that required issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion to be integrated into coursework—specifically in the domains of Behavior Assessment & Intervention, Organizational Behavior Management, and Ethics in Behavior Analysis. This requirement has been removed. Instead, the Behavior Assessment and Intervention and OBM content areas only need to address "the identification and integration of client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions (BACB, 2025)."
Elimination of the DEI CEU Category A new DEI CEU category was initially planned for 2027. BCBAs and BCaBAs were supposed to be required to take 2 CEUs per 2-year cycle on DEI-related topics. This category has been eliminated altogether. Instead, they revised the Ethics category to include cultural/contextual responsiveness.
A Call to Action: Reflect on Your Biases
I have heard criticisms of DEI initiatives. One thing that has been clear in these criticisms is a misunderstanding of DEI efforts. For anyone whose initial reaction is to praise the elimination of DEI, I encourage you to reflect more on these initiatives.
First, ask yourself which part(s) of DEI you celebrate eliminating. Is it the Diversity? Equity? Inclusion? All of the above? Let's also not forget about Accessibility.
A common misconception perpetuated about DEI is that these efforts are all about hiring practices. This oversimplification ignores the broader purposes of DEI, which involve creating inclusive, equitable environments for everyone—clinicians, clients, students, and educators.
DEI extends far beyond hiring practices. The education that would have been required in the 2027 changes would have involved promoting culturally responsive care and equitable service delivery. If you are relieved by the removal of these requirements, I urge you to dig deeper and consider why.
Take Action: How You Can Advocate for DEI in ABA
If you are disappointed in the board's decision to eliminate scheduled DEI initiatives, join us in advocating. Here are a few actions you can take.
Add your name to the BABA statement— Stand in solidarity with BABA's response by adding your name to their public statement.
Sign a petition to support reinstating DEI initiatives— There are a few petitions circulating. Here is one!
Contact the BACB—Reach out to the BACB to express your disagreement with this decision. You can reach them via their "contact us" section of their website. You can find instructions for contacting them and a template if you'd like to use it here.
