A statement from Carissa Miller, President of the Board of Directors, Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers:
“The Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-IN) has grave concerns regarding the removal of lecturer Jessica Adams from the ‘Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice’ course at the Indiana University-Bloomington School of Social Work,” stated Carissa Miller, President of the Board of Directors, NASW-IN. “Not only was Ms. Adams teaching an approved curriculum as part of an accredited social work program, but she was training the next generation of behavioral health professionals, upon whom Hoosiers rely for their well-being and health.”
“Social workers must undergo training on societal issues like systemic racism and injustice - while these difficult conversations are inconvenient, they are critical for the success of preparing social workers to address the complex needs of society.” Social workers work to promote the general welfare of society, from local, state, national, and global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments.
Background: Jessica Adams was removed from teaching a 500-level course “Diversity, Human Rights & Social Justice” at IU Bloomington School of Social Work. This course is part of the required curriculum for all master level social work students across the country. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for all BSW and MSW education programs across the United States. CSWE works with educators and others across the country, regularly reviewing and updating the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards for all Baccalaureate and Master’s Social Work (BSW and MSW) Programs. The course that Ms. Adams was teaching is part of the required curriculum and is taught in programs across the country.
The graphic that has been identified as raising concerns –
Pyramid of White Supremacy - has been used in multiple settings, and multiple education programs across the country, not limited to social work education. It is part of the ongoing discussion that students have throughout their social work education on the importance of cultural competency, understanding of ‘person in environment’, and how maintaining openness while working towards social justice for all is important.
The Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers strives to build the social work community throughout the state of Indiana. We advocate for the profession of social work and the over 13,000 licensed social work professionals throughout the State of Indiana. NASW-IN is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Find us online here: https://www.naswin.org/