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Ethics Statement Monterey Bay Psychological Association Position on the Role of Psychologists in Military Interrogations 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 did not go far enough in identifying and denouncing the misuse of psychological theory and practice in military interrogations and on rendition teams. We were disappointed and dismayed that the APA Council voted to approve the Task Force Resolution, rather than the more stringent Moratorium against Interrogations, at the August 2007 APA Convention. The response from the APA leadership to allegations of torture 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, even as consultants, 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 APA administration understands the fundamental admonition in the APA Ethics Code to Do No Harm, and continue to question their current interpretation. Jennifer Kaupp, Ph.D. President, Monterey Bay Psychological Association Co-Chair, Psychological Issues and Social Justice Committee Jon Girvetz, Ph.D. Co-Chair, Psychological Issues and Social Justice Committee Junell Silver, Ph.D. Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D. Meg Sandow, Psy.D. Art Anton, Ph.D. Lydia Blanchard, MFT Members, Psychological Issues and Social Justice Committee August 6, 2006 Revised, September 30, 2007 |
