Behavior Analysis and Systems of Oppression: Confronting Bias, Advocacy, and Human Rights through the Lens of Palestine
Hosted by the AzABA EDI Committee

1.5 ETHICS CEU will be available for attendance

Location: 
Zoom (Login will be emailed prior to the presentation)

Presenter: 
Hadeel Hejja, Jamilah Amirah, Michael Grossman, Esq., Gabi Williams, and Megan DeLeon (Miller)

Summary:

This panel brings together a diverse group of professionals and advocates, primarily behavior analysts, who are committed to addressing systems of oppression and advocating for justice through ethical and compassionate practices. The panel includes individuals with personal and professional connections to Palestine, as well as Jewish representation, offering perspectives rooted in lived experience, cultural understanding, and advocacy for human rights.

The panelists share a deep commitment to amplifying historically marginalized voices and exploring the intersection of bias, systemic inequities, and the misuse of power. Using behavior analytic principles, the discussion will critically examine the impact of state actions on marginalized communities, with a focus on the Palestinian experience.

This panel aims to foster inclusive, evidence-based dialogue that aligns with the core values of Applied Behavior Analysis, inspiring critical thought, cultural humility, and meaningful action to advance equity and humanity within the field and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine Systems of Oppression and Dehumanization. Participants will explore real-world examples of systemic oppression and dehumanization faced by Palestinian communities, discussing how these systems shape behaviors, perceptions, and the lived experiences of individuals under occupation and in the diaspora.

2. Center Palestinian Voices in Addressing Bias and Cultural Competency. Participants will learn how centering Palestinian perspectives can reveal implicit biases and cultural narratives, enhancing cultural competency and ethical decision-making in behavior analysis, particularly when working with marginalized communities.

3. Integrate Ethical Standards in Advocacy for Human Rights and Self-Determination. Participants will explore how the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts supports active advocacy for human rights, aligning with social justice by challenging oppression and supporting the self-determination of Palestinian people and other marginalized groups.

4. Develop Approaches for Supporting Palestinian and Marginalized Communities. Participants will gain strategies to apply ABA principles in ways that uplift and empower Palestinian communities and other marginalized groups, emphasizing the ethical role of behavior analysts in supporting social justice and equity.

5. Cultivate Compassionate and Non-Violent Communication Centered on Palestinian Experiences. Attendees will learn techniques to foster respectful, non-violent communication that centers Palestinian narratives and experiences, helping to promote understanding and empathy within the field of ABA around complex and sensitive social justice issues.

Registration: 
AzABA Members: Free

Non-Members: Free