ONTABA's mission is to "demonstrate leadership, knowledge, and innovation in education, training, and research for the ethical and effective application of behaviour analysis." ONTABA is also committed to supporting members, which includes amplifying the voices of those who may be marginalized or facing injustices. We appreciate our members speaking out to indicate that we have not done enough regarding issues of diversity and racism. We encourage our members to continue to provide us with feedback on social media, through email, or any other format. We stand united in solidarity with our black members. Black lives matter. We stand united in solidarity with our Indigenous members. Indigenous lives matter. We stand united in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) and any of our members that are experiencing problems rooted in racism and oppression within our field and in general.

This statement is the beginning of ongoing conversations. As we know very well from behaviour analysis, our actions matter. We want to clearly define concrete steps that we will take over the coming months, years, and beyond, to try and address these issues more effectively.

The ONTABA board of directors is committed to taking the following steps to keep this important conversation going:

• Investing in training to ensure that the organization is operating with an anti-oppressive and culturally sensitive lens.
• Developing a BIPOC working group to develop strategies to combat anti-black, anti-Indigenous, and other forms of racism as part of its Advocacy and Communications Committee.
• Soliciting member feedback on how the organization is doing with respect to responding to issues of diversity.
• Dedicating time at the annual conferences for members to present content related to issues of racism/diversity and behaviour analysis.
• Creating a dedicated space on the ONTABA website to host or link to resources related to racism/diversity and behaviour analysis.
• Exploring the opportunity to provide student grants related to racialized research.
• Sharing anti-racism resources with members for self-education (started here).

As an organization, we must move towards meaningful action that attempts to diversify our organization. ONTABA is here to listen. We have begun to have difficult conversations about these topics, and we will continue to do so. In order to prompt education on these issues as immediately as possible, we have provided a list of resources for self-education on racism. As we work to tackle these issues, we will reach out and we will listen. We may make mistakes, and encourage you to let us know when we do. We will do the work, and we will do it with all of you.

Sincerely, ONTABA Board of Directors

Below is a list of resources that members can access in relation to furthering knowledge with respect to issues of racism and diversity. The list is not exhaustive, however we hope that it provides a starting point, or additional information for members.

Canadian Resources:
Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy - Canada.ca
Ontario Human Rights Commission: Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination
Ontario's anti-racism strategic plan
Anti-Racism Directorate
Confronting Anti-Black Racism -- City of Toronto
Anti-Black Racism
TORONTO FOR ALL: CONFRONTING ANTI-BLACK RACISM INITIATIVE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Facilitator Guide
Home -- National Indigenous Cultural Safety Learning Series
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Behaviour Analysis and Diversity:
Behavior Analysis in Practice, Volume 12, Issue 4 - Springer
Can Behavior Analysis Help Us Understand and Reduce Racism? A review of the Current Literature
Where is the diversity in applied behavior analysis?