Society of Indian Psychologists, Oklahoma State University, Department of Psychology, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone (405) 744-7591 ⦁ FAX (405) 744-8067 ⦁ e-mail: patricia.alexander@okstate.edu
Governing Board
Jacqueline S. Gray, President
Carolyn Morris, President Elect
Pamela B. Deters, Past President
Tamara Newcomb, Secretary
Patricia Alexander, Treasurer
Society of Indian Psychologists
January 27, 1999
We the members of the Society of Indian Psychologists of the Americas, write this letter in
support of "retiring" all Indian personalities as the official symbols and mascots of
universities, colleges or schools (and athletic teams). We support doing so because of a
variety of concerns related to the ethical practice of psychology. As a professional society of
psychologists we operate under these professional ethical guidelines.
We are concerned that the continued use of Indian symbols and mascots seriously
compromises our ability to engage in ethical professional practice and service to the
campus (delete campus if addressing all mascots) community. We believe that it
establishes an unwelcome academic environment for Indian (students, staff, and faculty)
and contributes to the miseducation of all members of the (campus) community regarding
the cultural practices and traditions of an entire ethnic group. In our view, the use of an
historically and culturally inaccurate, stereotypic image undermines the educational
experience of all members of the (University) community. It seems especially problematic
for those who have had little or no contact with Indian people and their cultures.
Stereotypical and historically inaccurate images of Indians in general interfere with
learning about them by creating, supporting and maintaining oversimplified and inaccurate
views of indigenous peoples and their cultures. When stereotypical representations are
taken as factual information, they contribute to the development of cultural biases and
prejudices, (clearly a contradiction to the educational mission of the University.) In the
same vein, we believe that continuation of the use of Indians as symbols and mascots is
incongruous with the philosophy espoused by many Americans as promoting inclusivity
and diversity.
We understand that some affiliated with the institutions having a long history of use of
these symbols may have a special attachment to them. We also understand and believe that
this attachment may not have been formed out of maliciousness or negative intentions. To
the extent, however, that tradition and/or economic issues are major obstacles to change;
they should not usurp the principles of a society struggling to put an end to racism. What
once may have been unifying symbols for the various bodies using these symbols has
become a source of cross-cultural conflict. In light of all of these factors, we strongly
support and encourage the all such entities to develop a new symbol consistent with and
contributing to the positive realization of national principles (our educational mission.)
Society of Indian Psychologists, Oklahoma State University, Department of Psychology, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone (405) 744-7591 ⦁ FAX (405) 744-8067 ⦁ e-mail: patricia.alexander@okstate.edu
In support of our concern about the ethically problematic nature of this issue for the
professional practice of psychology, we cite relevant portions of the "Ethical Principles of
Psychologists and Code of Conduct" (American Psychological Association [APA, 1992]) and
the "Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic and Culturally
Diverse Populations" (APA, 1992).
Principle D (Respect for People's Rights and Dignity) states:
Psychologists accord appropriate respect to the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of
all people. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-
determination, and autonomy, mindful that legal and other obligations may lead to
inconsistency and conflict with the exercise of these rights. Psychologists are aware of
cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status.
Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and
they do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.
Principle E (Concern for Others' Welfare) states:
Psychologists seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact
professionally. In their professional actions, psychologists weigh the welfare and rights of
their patients or clients, students, supervisees, human research participants, and other
affected persons....
When conflicts occur among psychologists' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve
these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes
harm. Psychologists are sensitive to real and ascribed differences in power between
themselves and others, and they do not exploit or mislead other people during or after
professional relationships.
Principle F (Social Responsibility) states:
Psychologists are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the
community and the society in which they work and live. They apply and make public their
knowledge of psychology in order to contribute to human welfare. Psychologists are
concerned about and work to mitigate the causes of human suffering. When undertaking
research, they strive to advance human welfare and the science of psychology.
Psychologists try to avoid misuse of their work. Psychologists comply with the law and
encourage the development of law and social policy that serve the interests of their
patients and clients and the public..
In addition, several of the "Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic,
Linguistic and Culturally Diverse Populations" also address our concerns on this
issue.
Society of Indian Psychologists, Oklahoma State University, Department of Psychology, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone (405) 744-7591 ⦁ FAX (405) 744-8067 ⦁ e-mail: patricia.alexander@okstate.edu
# 5. Psychologists respect client's religious and/or spiritual beliefs and values, including
attributions and taboos, since they affect world view, psychosocial functioning, and
expressions of distress.
a. Part of working in minority communities is to become familiar with indigenous
beliefs and practices and respect them.
# 7. Psychologists consider the impact of adverse social, environmental and political factors
in assessing problems and designing interventions.
b. Psychologists work within the cultural setting to improve the welfare of all persons
concerned, if there is a conflict between cultural values and human rights.
#8. Psychologists attend to as well as work to eliminate biases, prejudices, and
discriminatory practices.
a. Psychologists acknowledge relevant discriminatory practices at the social and
community level that may be affecting the psychological welfare of the population
being served."
We applaud the current efforts across the nation to have this crucial issue raised and
addressed in a responsible and productive way. It is our hope this letter contributes to that
effort.
