The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee launched a full investigation into the American Psychological Association following reports of antisemitism within the organization.
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), committee chair, wrote in a letter to Debra Kawahara, president of the APA, on Dec. 12 that the committee is “gravely concerned about antisemitism” at the organization, which represents more than 172,000 researchers, clinical professionals, professors and students.
“Jewish APA members have reported being harassed and ostracized by their colleagues within the APA and at APA events because of their Jewish identity, their efforts to speak out against antisemitism and their Zionist beliefs,” Walberg wrote.
“Members have also stated that their complaints to the association have gone unanswered, raising significant concerns about the APA’s commitment to addressing harassment,” he added.
The letter stated that the APA has “offered educational credits for members to attend conferences where speakers endorsed ‘violence against Jews and Israelis; antisemitic tropes; Holocaust distortion; minimization of Jewish victimization, fear and grief; and pathologizing of Jewish people’s connection to their indigenous homeland.’”
“In addition, the APA allegedly failed to take meaningful action against a former APA division president who has made deeply antisemitic statements,” the chairman wrote.
Allegations against the former APA leader include her teaching that Zionism is a mental illness and writing “how dare you slander the names of our martyrs as terrorists” after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
“The rampant antisemitism in her division has led to members resigning,” Walberg wrote.
The committee has requested all APA documents, communications, publications, programming materials, complaints and actions related to antisemitism since Oct. 7, no later than Jan. 2, 2026, to determine whether potential legislative changes are necessary.
