RES-NEWSLETTER-FREE-SPEECH — BACB Newsletter: Free Speech and BACB Ethics Requirements (Sep 2023)
What does RES-NEWSLETTER-FREE-SPEECH say?
The BACB addressed the intersection of free speech and professional ethics obligations. Key points: (1) While behavior analysts have free speech rights as citizens, professional ethics requirements may place limitations on certain statements made in professional contexts. (2) Ethics Code Section 5 (Responsibility in Public Statements) requires accuracy and honesty in professional communications. (3) Social media posts made from professional accounts or in professional contexts are subject to ethics standards. (4) Expressing personal opinions on controversial topics is generally protected, but making claims about professional matters (treatments, diagnoses, research) requires accuracy. (5) Criticizing other professionals publicly must be done factually and without personal attacks. (6) Behavior analysts should clearly distinguish personal opinions from professional positions.
Official source: read the full text in the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) (official document).