As healers who believe in the sacredness and great potential of the lives of all people, the Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) are deeply disturbed, saddened and outraged regarding the murder of Mr. George Floyd and others who continue to be killed due to the color of their skin and the effects of institutional racism. We condemn these acts of violence and dehumanization that have, unfortunately, become commonplace. We also join others in a call for reform that results in a dramatic shift in cultures that treat the lives of some people as less valuable than that of others. Moreover, we believe it is time for all systems, organizations and communities to take an honest inventory of their own culture, and to change policies and practice in a manner that promotes racial equality and social justice.
The members of STA have long provided safe, empowering psychotherapy to help many people from different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds find a pathway to their soul. However, when we look at the structure of our organization, we find that people of diverse backgrounds are under-represented in our membership. Therefore, STA pledges to closely review and revise its policies, procedures and practices and take the actions necessary to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive membership. As helping professionals it is imperative that we examine ourselves, own our shortcomings, and create the change in ourselves that we hope to see in the world.
STA Board of Trustees