Field Directors

The center is pro-life, the student is pro-life or both? Alvernia University is a Catholic institution, but we have never had such a request.

 

 

I think this is a great question and timely. Perhaps the group that held the Safeguarding Social Work Education and Science in Uncertain Times, would consider entertaining this type of question. At their last webinar CSWE, NADD, and SSWR representatives were all present. I would add NASW may have a voice in this too as the social work Code of Ethics is their guidance. It would be helpful to have shared dialogue and future guidance for educational programs on how to navigate students who choose placements that are pro-life, religious etc. and may have policies or practices that are counter to social work values and ethics. Is this a question of goodness of fit for the profession dependent upon the student's perspective and rationale for this type of placement? I don't know the answer, but I do know as faculty we are the gatekeepers of the profession and the political climate here in the U.S. almost demands (my perspective) that social workers advocate more ardently than ever for human rights, self-determination, social, environmental, economic, and racial justice. 

I would love to see this conversation continue!