OTAC | STF | When Statements of Neutrality Fall Short: Occupational Therapy, Moral Courage, and Common Good

Event Information

Education Passport

Presenter Frank Kronenberg, PhD, BSc (OT), BA (Ed)

Occupational therapy has long claimed a commitment to justice, inclusion, and being of service to society. Yet in moments of political and social crisis, professional associations, academic institutions, and workplaces often retreat into neutrality statements, procedural language, or symbolic DEI initiatives that can unintentionally silence difficult but necessary conversations.

In this invited special forum, Frank Kronenberg and OT colleagues will explore the tensions between political neutrality, professional responsibility, and “occupational justice” in today’s world. Drawing from international experiences, contemporary global events, and OT’s historical mandate toward “serving vital needs of society through occupation” (Reilly, 1961), participants will critically examine whether current JEDI/DEIJAB approaches are sufficient—or whether meaningful change requires greater moral courage, accountability, and action in everyday practice, education, and professional leadership. This conversation invites participants to sit with complexity, grapple with contradiction, and reflect on what it truly means for occupational therapy to serve society.

Learning Objectives

• Critically examine how political neutrality, institutional policies, and contemporary DEI/DEIJAB frameworks may shape or limit occupational therapy’s responses to social injustice and collective harm.
• Explore strategies for fostering moral courage, reflective dialogue, and socially responsive action within clinical practice, education, professional associations, and everyday occupational engagement.

Fee Free. Exclusive for OTAC members only.

DATE AND TIME
June 28, 2026
10:00am – 11:30am PST
Virtual - Zoom

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