Statement on Family Separation

As a developmental psychologist, I am well aware of the overwhelming evidence of the traumatic effects for children of separation from parents—the younger the child, the more harmful the effects. These effects are detailed in the American Psychological Association's recent letter on forcibly separating children from their parents. As a mother, grandmother and citizen, it is my fervent hope that our government quickly comes to a just and compassionate solution that promotes children’s wellbeing and honors universal human rights.

Kathleen McCartney
President
Smith College
June 21, 2018