Update on Limiting Access to Federal Databases and Datasets

Background

Recent actions by the new US administration to dismantle federal databases — both current and archived — and restrict public access to many federal datasets have sent shockwaves through the research community. These decisions appear to be directly linked to a series of executive orders and federal agency mandates limiting the availability of certain data, particularly those related to gender, diversity, and equity.

As a result, resources and data related to LGBTQ+ individuals have been removed, including the National Center for Health Statistics' data on sexual orientation and gender identity and the Center for Disease Control’s widely read YRBSS (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System). Similarly, data related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI, referred to as DEI by the Administration) initiatives, particularly those related to race and ethnicity, have been taken down or are no longer being updated. This has impacted data collection and reporting across multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Additionally, websites and databases related to climate change, such as the EPA's climate change website, have been altered or removed, reflecting a shift in policy priorities as outlined in executive orders related to environmental regulations.

APA/APASI Assessment

We are profoundly disturbed by the recent attacks on scientific integrity and science infrastructure, which threaten to undermine the very foundation of knowledge and progress upon which our society is built. These assaults, evident in efforts to suppress research findings, discredit scientific expertise, and dismantle essential scientific agencies, not only hinder our ability to address critical challenges but also erode public trust in the scientific process. The recent removal of federal databases poses significant risks to psychological science and research:

1. Hindered Access to Data: Many psychological studies rely on large-scale datasets maintained by federal agencies. Losing access to these databases will significantly impede research progress, limiting the ability to conduct longitudinal studies, analyze population trends, and replicate existing findings. This jeopardizes the advancement of knowledge in critical areas like mental health, child development, and social behavior. 
2. Chilled Research Environment: The removal of information related to EDI initiatives will create a chilling effect on research related to marginalized populations. Researchers may be hesitant to pursue studies on topics related to gender, race, and sexuality, fearing that their work could be targeted or defunded. This could limit our understanding of critical issues and perpetuate existing inequalities.
3. Reduced Public Trust in Science: The removal of scientific information from government websites and the suppression of research findings undermines and erodes public trust in science. This lack of trust will make it more difficult to communicate scientific findings to the public and policymakers, hindering the translation of research into effective policies and interventions.
4. Loss of Valuable Information: Some of the removed databases contained valuable historical data that may be difficult or impossible to recover if access is not restored. This loss of information could hinder our ability to understand long-term trends and make informed decisions about future research directions. It is essential that any changes to datasets or documentation is transparent to researchers.

Overall, these decisions have the potential to significantly disrupt psychological science and research, hindering progress, limiting access to information, and potentially exacerbating existing inequalities. It is crucial for the scientific community to advocate for the restoration of these resources and the protection of scientific integrity.

What you can do about it 

The recent actions taken by the new administration to remove or suppress scientific data and resources are deeply concerning. However, the scientific community and concerned citizens can take action to mitigate the damage and advocate for the importance of science:

Data Preservation and Archiving:

• Download and back up critical datasets: Researchers and institutions should proactively download and archive important datasets that are at risk of being removed.
• Contribute to independent data repositories: The scientific community can contribute to independent repositories for critical datasets, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.
  

Advocacy and Communication:

• Contact policymakers: Reach out to elected officials to express concerns about the attacks on science and advocate for policies that support scientific integrity and funding.
• Write letters to the editor and op-eds: Use media platforms to raise awareness about the importance of science and the dangers of censorship and suppression of information. 
• Join or create groups of likeminded individuals to express concern: For example, work with your professional organizations, faculty senates, departments and other professional groups.
• Engage in public education: Take opportunities to share with the public about the value of your science and the important role evidence-based decision-making plays in our society.

Education and Training:

• Educate future scientists about scientific integrity: Incorporate training on scientific ethics, data management, and responsible communication into science education programs to create a more robust ecosystem for future attacks on science.
• Train fellow scientists on data retention: Share experiences and best practices on how best to retain and publish datasets and findings.