History

Several Black students and faculty members raised concerns about racial climate at the school of social work. "Building Bridges" Task Force formed in response.

FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN DEAN HIRED; SWCOS CREATED

The Diversity and Racism course was removed, and the Faculty Organization began attempts to infuse education that leads to an understanding of diversity and racism throughout foundation courses. Established advanced diversity course requirement.

Students proposed several changes to the administration including diverse course curricula, faculty training, student surveys, and protocol to address oppressive incidents.

Students presented concerns/recommendations at Dean Forum about curriculum, learning environment, field placements, and mechanisms for feedback.

2014 DIVERSITY/ANTI-OPPRESSION WORK GROUP CREATED

2015 STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY HOST EENTS & PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF BALTIMORE UPRISING

Results found that black students rated the lowest in perceived inclusiveness at the school. Women and non-traditional students also felt less included.

A neutral conflict resolution practitioner that noted "Feedback and Department Climate" and "Values & Ethics" to be two categories with the most complaints.

383 ideas from faculty and staff to ensure an inclusive and culturally responsive organizational environment.

Several students and alumni write to CSWE saying that the SSW does not meet accreditation standards to educate students to address social justice at all levels. CSWE inquiry follows.

eff Ash, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at School of Nursing, invited to SSW, forms task force later co-chaired by Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C, Clinical Assistant Professor & Cherita F. Adams, MBA, MS, Assistant Dean for Administration and Strategic Initiatives.

Recommended curriculum, training, hiring & field education changes, building on previous efforts. Pushed for hiring full-time DEI Dean

Students protest Maryland Correctional Enterprises contract with UMB. Related efforts continuing to this day.

Alongside a number of additional changes to course offerings and field education as the result of the work of many students, staff, and faculty.

2020 SSW HIRES FULL-TIME DEI DEAN: NEIJMA CELESTINE-DONNOR

2021 SSW HIRES FULL-TIME DEI COORDINATOR: JULIA J. SCOTT

The J.E.D.I. is Social Work Campaign and Poster Series is an initiative that seeks to cultivate a community of practice within the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work that advances a culture and climate based on these guiding principles. SSW Community members were asked to sign the J.E.D.I. Pledge and engage in DEI trainings and events.

The L.E.A.D. Institute is a training and coaching series offered by the School of Social Work’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Participants complete modules designed to increase their understanding of their individual bias, learning about systemic oppression, and creating concrete action steps to make a change.

ODEI, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) kicked off the First Annual J.E.D.I. Awards, which are an opportunity to recognize SSW members for their commitment to cultivating Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion both within our school and the larger community.

The MSW L.E.A.D. pilot was for current MSW students who were interested in improving their anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice, learning how to navigate challenging conversations with clients, colleagues, and supervisors, working in DEI capacities, and making systemic change within organizations and institutions.