WHEREAS state legislative proposals are being introduced across the United States that target academic discussions of racism and related issues in American history in schools, colleges, and universities under the guise of banning “critical race theory;”

 

WHEREAS all social work faculty have a responsibility to advocate for curriculum at their colleges and universities and in their classrooms that accurately represents the oppression experienced by clients and communities to enhance the training of future social workers; 

 

WHEREAS the National Association of Social Workers mandates social workers not to stand by in the face of racism and oppression, and social work programs are mandated by their accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education, to explicitly tackle issues of racism and oppression; 

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WHEREAS attacks on curricula and pedagogies addressing histories and legacies of gendered antiblack chattel slavery, segregation/U.S. apartheid, genocidal conquest and colonization, heteronormativity, patriarchy, and other oppressive power relations attempt to repress and intimidate educators, undermining their freedom to explore a wide variety of topics based on a rigorous approach to social and historical knowledge and the development of essential critical thinking skills; 

 

WHEREAS education about systemic, historical forms of oppressive violence and power relations based on race, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, citizenship, and other social/cultural/political identities is inseparable from the active and engaged pursuit of knowledge and social work practice in the 21st century and is a basic pedagogical responsibility to students and multiple communities; 

 

WHEREAS CRSSW stands firm in its mission and will continue to advance knowledge, action, and dialogue and support efforts to integrate critical race theory into social work education and practice;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CRSSW resolutely rejects any attempts by bodies external to college and university faculty to restrict or dictate college and university curriculum on any matter, including matters related to racial, gender, and social justice, and firmly opposes encroachment on faculty authority by legislatures, boards of trustees, and similar or analogous bodies;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that CRSSW stands with our K-12 colleagues throughout the U.S. who may be affected by anti-CRT legislation when they seek to teach truthfully in U.S. history, civics, literature, and other courses;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that CRSSW calls on relevant college and university administrators, including provosts, presidents, and chancellors, to affirm that they reject any attempts by bodies external to the faculty to restrict or dictate college and university curriculum on any matter, including matters related to racial, gender, and social justice, and that they will vehemently oppose encroachment on faculty authority by legislatures, boards of trustees, and similar or analogous bodies.

 

In Solidarity, 

Critical Race Scholars in Social Work Steering Committee

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*Adapted by and with permission from American Studies Association Resolution