Psyche, Science, and Society

Monterey Bay Psychological Association task stand on interrogations

February 14th, 2007

Promoted from the Comments section:

August 2006

To whom it may concern:

The members of the Monterey Bay Psychological Association feel compelled to speak out, unequivocally and without further delay, against the unethical, immoral, and illegal practices taking place in military prisons around the world. As psychologists, we would like to stand with all those who have protested the use of psychologists as consultants to torture, degradation, cruelty and/or inhumane treatment of military prisoners.

In its structured examination of the ethics of this practice, the APA Psychological Ethics and National Security (PENS) Task Force took a small step in the right direction. However, we do not believe that their Report goes far enough in identifying and denouncing the misuse of psychological theory and practice in military interrogations and on rendition teams.

Both the APA and the CPA have asked for member psychologists’ input. We find that the PENS Task Force Report, as currently written, does not represent us as psychologists, and is in fact detrimental to our profession. Within the context of ongoing media reports of cruel, inhumane, and degrading practices used in military interrogations and on rendition teams, the APA’s focus on responsibilities to society rings hollow. To participate in unethical practices under the guise of protecting the general social welfare is simply wrong. As an organization, the Monterey Bay Psychological Association believes that the APA Ethics Code is clear in its prohibition of the use of torture, and clear that psychologists should have no part in this aspect of military operations. Further, we recognize the dilemma of military psychologists forced to choose between their role as psychologists and their role as military officers.

We fervently believe that if we do not speak out against practices that violate human rights and dignity, we are complicit in those practices. We would hope that the PENS Task Force and APA administration understand the fundamental admonition in the APA Ethics Code to Do No Harm, and continue to question their current interpretation.

Respectfully,

Jon Girvetz, Ph.D.
President, Monterey Bay Psychological Association
Jennifer Kaupp, Ph.D.
President-Elect, Monterey Bay Psychological Association
Co-Chairs, Contemporary Issues in Psychology Forum

Entry Filed under: APA, Guantanamo, International Law, Law, Psychology, Rights and Liberties, Torture, War Crimes