BUSSW Community Activism in Action

In solidarity with those who may be affected by actions that are inconsistent with our social work values, our Code of Ethics, and the standards of our profession, BU School of Social Work community members are leading the charge for social justice. 

Following our NASW Code of Ethics, our community has and can continue to “engage in social and political action,” to “advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social justice”, and to “encourage respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States and globally.” This is critical to our mission and our practice–it is inspiring to see that so many in the BUSSW community are already taking action. Continue reading for some of their stories below!

On February 1, the BUSSW Equity & Inclusion Committee gathered with the community for “After the Marches: What’s Next?” Stay tuned for more details on action steps to continue the work towards equity and social justice for all. 

Have you participated in recent social justice actions or marches? Please reach out to us, let us know what you are doing and how we can best support our entire community as we continue to move forward.

“I marched because I have guilt around Trump being in office. Over the past year, myself and so many other young people started to assume and trust that a Trump presidency would never happen, so we didn’t advocate, protest, or fight as much as we needed to make sure it didn’t happen. Now here we are. So, as a young woman of color, and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Muslim-Americans, and any person who is oppressed by the Trump Administration, I knew it is my responsibility to be in D.C. on 1/21/17. No excuses.” — Amy Coole (’18), Women’s March in Washington D.C. 

I marched for so many reasons! I just care so deeply about all of the things that are going on and protesting feels like a solid and concrete way to make changes and defend those whose lives are, have been, and continue to be under attack.” — Maggie Dobbins, Women’s March, Post Election Protest (Boston Commons), BLM Walkout (Marsh Plaza), Protest at Logan Airport

“Donald Trump has made statements that are misogynistic, he has been recorded stating that he sexually assaulted a woman, and various women have claimed that he sexually assaulted them. Further, I have my concerns about the members he’s chosen for his cabinet, and about their commitment to making decisions based on the good of the American public over their own personal gain. Finally, I see Donald Trump as an embodiment of hatred and self-centeredness. I marched because have concerns about his capacity to lead the United States in a positive direction.” — Ryushin Hart, Women’s March in Portland

“I marched for those who don’t have a voice, for the woman who inspire others with their bravery. I marched for the younger generation and for equality. I marched for me!!” — Julie Lemire (’09), Women’s March in Boston

“For me this is a no brainer. This is a human rights issue above all else. I am an able bodied white person and I believe those identities give me a certain sense of obligation to use my privilege for justice and basic human decency.” — Thea Rowan (’17), Women’s March, Copley Rally

“I believe the most important time to demonstrate your values through action is when they are challenged by events that place them a risk.” — Amanda E.Stevenson Sloan (’92), March in Ashland, Oregon. 

“We have to stand up against injustice. We must resist illegal and immoral actions taken by our government. If not now, when? If not us, who?” — Allison B. Taylor (’99), Women’s March in Boston, the rally against the immigration ban in Copley Square 

“I feel compelled to act. I would suggest collaboration with other organizations (i.e.NASW). Now is the time to unify our voices.” — Kristina Whiton-O’Brien (’95), Women’s March in Boston

“It’s critically important for us to take to the streets as we build social movements.  I’ve been attending marches and demonstrations for almost fifty years, but this one was special—not just because of the unprecedented numbers nationwide, but because it was organized by women.  As the proud grandfather of a girl born on Jan. 3, I’m more mindful than ever of the stakes we’re fighting for, from women’s control over their bodies to the very fate of the earth.” — Geoff Wilkinson (’85), BUSSW Clinical Associate Professor