Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Social Work Education: A Policy Brief to Ensure Black Students Thrive in Social Work

Black students’ experiences of racism and microaggressions in college are widespread and often met by a lack of university response. Social work programs are not immune, as experiences of racism within social work programs lead to poor mental health and academic outcomes for Black students. Of concern, increasing legislation across the United States has been enacted to restrict and weaken university diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This legislation abrogates means to address racialized inequities within higher education and, therefore, social work education, leaving Black students vulnerable to mistreatment. In the current landscape of anti-Black violence and the disavowal of legislation meant to benefit the Black community, we recommend policies to reduce the hate perpetuated by current legislation and to transform social work programs from places of harm to places of safety and belonging for Black students.