Uncertain Times: A Note from Dean Gail Steketee to the BUSSW Community

In the wake of last week’s national election results, I wanted to take a moment to re-affirm our community’s shared commitment to the core values of our social work profession.

The NASW Code of Ethics includes the social work values of:

• service

• social justice

• dignity and worth of the person

• importance of human relationships

• integrity

• competence 

In the wake of ongoing conversations about the implications of the election that have taken place across our school and across the country, I know that many of you may feel uncertain and anxious at this time. I want to reiterate that BUSSW is committed to fostering a safe environment, free of harassment based on any form of discrimination, including race, religion, immigration status, national origin, gender, LGBTQ+ status and disability. In our commitment to our social justice mission, I encourage each of you to find ways to take care of yourselves, and to advocate for those who may be most vulnerable to attack and harassment at this time.

As social workers, we are called upon to lead in our commitment to economic and social justice. As we head to practice settings and to classrooms in the coming days, please listen carefully to one another while also speaking thoughtfully about your own experiences. I have no doubt that our work – to champion the rights of all people – is more essential than ever.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to our Director of Student Services Cate Solomon.