Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Catalog description

This course will provide social work students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to engage in culturally competent social work practice at the generalist level. An emphasis on activism, advocacy, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, culture, ethnicity, international social work, and social justice within diverse communities and practice settings will be examined. According to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, cultural competence and social diversity have three primary components: 1. Social workers should demonstrate an understanding of culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures. 2. Social workers should demonstrate knowledge that guides practice with clients of various cultures and be able to demonstrate skills in the provision of culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and groups. Social workers must act against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege. 3. Social workers should demonstrate awareness and cultural humility by engaging in critical self-reflection (understanding their own bias and engaging in self-correction), recognizing clients as experts of their own culture, committing to lifelong learning, and holding institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility.