School of Social Work

Dear EMU School of Social Work Community,

The following is statement from the School of Social Work. Thank you to the Halle Committee and the rest of the faculty for their work.

The EMU School of Social Work continues to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement as we mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and the numerous other Black lives that have been taken at the hands of police. We recognize the insidious roles systemic and institutional racism and White Supremacy have played and continue to play in the lives of persons who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The injustices we are witnessing provide moments to act, stand firm and speak loudly and clearly – that hate and discrimination in any form are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

We recommit as individuals and as a School to actively dismantle systemic and institutional racism and, to restructure our community, state, and country to reflect inclusivity, diversity, and equity. We stand behind our School’s mission as we fight against discrimination of any kind. We are committed to the empowerment of oppressed individuals, families and communities and believe that social workers can impact change through direct service, the creation of equitable social welfare policies and laws, and community-based partnerships. Together, we will develop action steps with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to ensure that we are advancing anti-racist conversation and action in the classroom, throughout our University and within our local communities.