SOCIAL WORK NEWS
Responding to Racism
Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner and Dean Martell Teasley during their September discussion, “Continuing the Conversation on Race and Racism.”
“Racial inequality is at the core of so many of the problems we face as a society, and requires not only vigilance, but actions.”
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SOCIALWORK.UTAH.EDU
In June, in the emotional wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Dean Martell Teasley released a statement regarding racism to the College of Social Work community. “Racial inequality is at the core of so many of the problems we face as a society, and requires not only vigilance, but actions to change policies that separate groups within our society, marginalizing some, and lead to deep mistrust, fear, and hatred,” he wrote. View the full statement online for details on how the College is working toward anti-racism.
Events: Dean Teasley and Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner of the S.J. Quinney College of Law participated in a pair of U of U Alumni Association conversations on race and racism, in which the deans shared their experiences and insight while discussing books on racism in the United States. The Utah Criminal Justice Center produced the “UCJC Dare to Care” series, consisting of three events focusing on the intersection of race and law enforcement that each challenged guests to reject apathy and silence.
Task Forces: CSW faculty members are responding to racism both at the University and on the national stage. Dave Derezotes will serve as the chair of the University’s Faculty Senate Advisory Committee on Diversity, while Tiffany Baffour will serve on the Council on Social Work Education’s Taskforce to Advance Anti-Racism.
The New Grand Challenge: The Grand Challenges for Social Work announced the addition of a new challenge: the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism. Dean Teasley, who advocated for the addition of this challenge, will spearhead the effort alongside Michael S. Spencer of the University of Washington.
Reading: The College’s Diversity and Social Justice Committee compiled a list of books, podcasts, films, and organizations supporting the journey toward anti-racism, including steps to take immediate action. Additionally, this year Dean Teasley selected the book “Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out” for the annual faculty and staff book discussion.
