Promises, promises: how the APA's introductory psychology curriculum framework addresses systemic racism

Purpose The American Psychological Association's (APA) 2021 Apology to People of Color acknowledged psychology's role in perpetuating racism and committed the discipline to dismantling systemic inequities. This study examines whether the APA's revised Introductory Psychology (IP) curriculum frameworks for high school and Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology align with those commitments. Design/methodology/approach Using critical qualitative content analysis, we analyze the APA National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula (APA, 2022) and the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description (APA, 2024) through a lens of racial inclusivity informed by culturally responsive teaching and critical curriculum theory. Findings Findings reveal that the IP framework incorporates both explicit and implicit attention to race, racism and systemic bias across science practices, content pillars and integrative themes. Two overarching themes – racial inclusivity and pedagogical flexibility – emerged, illustrating how the curriculum creates opportunities for educators to address historical misuse of psychological science and promote cultural competence. Practical implications While implementation depends on instructional choices, the framework meaningfully advances the APA's equity-oriented commitments. Originality/value This study offers one of the first analyses connecting national psychology curriculum reforms to the APA's formal equity commitments, highlighting the role of disciplinary curriculum in advancing social justice aims.