A Message from the Dean Heading link
Calls for racial justice and equity are not new, and certainly not new to the social work profession. During my time as Dean of the Jane Addams College of Social Work, the pursuit of social justice has been at the core of the College’s mission. The groundswell of support for racial justice that began in 2020, however, carries with it a tangible sense of urgency and presents a new opportunity for both discussions about racism and privilege, and advocacy to bring about change.
This issue of Affirmations features this work and profiles College initiatives that address the low numbers of black men in social work education and social work leadership roles, and a program that helps remove barriers to higher education for persons, many of whom who are people of color, who have been incarcerated. Also covered are College sponsored webinars and panel discussions and faculty research and scholarship that foster meaningful dialogue about racism and racial equity.
I know that many, if not most, of the College’s alumni and community partners are also engaged in the important mission of advancing racial justice. I hope this Affirmations can serve as a confirmation that through collective effort we can make meaningful and lasting change.
Sincerely,
Creasie Finney Hairston, PhD
Dean and Professor
