Committee on Anti-racism, Equity, and Justice

Members: Bridget Bailey; Megan Fabbri; Megan Gandy; Fanica Payne; Lindsey Rinehart; Mandy Weirich

*Committee chair selected by committee members. Note: Others are welcome to volunteer for this committee.

Purpose: To cultivate a School of Social Work culture that ensures an ongoing commitment to anti-racism, equity, and justice.

Objectives:

Consult and collaborate with faculty and students on strategies for effectively engaging difficult conversations and facilitating education on anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and justice
Organize and promote professional development activities (e.g., book clubs, lunch and learn sessions, lectures, panel discussions, etc.) for students, faculty, staff, and practitioners on topics such as anti-racism, systemic racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, inclusion, and institutional/systems change.
Review School of Social Work statements on anti-racism and land acknowledgment to ensure currency with the times and alignment with current CSWE accreditation standards
Identify and share resources for furthering educational content on anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, and justice.
Explore and leverage opportunities across the university and community for interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration in research, educational programming, and practice centered in anti-racism, equity, and justice.
Cultivate an inclusive learning and work culture that supports recruiting and retaining diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Consider avenues for the professional use of generative AI in education and field education.

Description: The WVU School of Social Work's Committee on Antiracism, Equity, and Justice invites you to engage in a meaningful learning opportunity in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. We encourage you to visit the display in the Mountainlair (Vandalia Lounge) hosted by the Center on Black Culture and Research, which highlights the historical significance of this pivotal legislation and its lasting impact on the fight for racial equity and social justice. The display is an excellent resource for deepening your understanding of civil rights history and reflecting on its relevance to social work practice today. For more information, please visit the event page. We hope you take the time to explore this important display and continue your commitment to fostering a more just and equitable society. Event takes place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 10am to 6pm.

Description: The WVU School of Social Work's Committee on Antiracism, Equity, and Justice is partnering with the Carruth Center to bring the Fresh Check Day back to WVU! This event centers mental health and wellness and provides students with an opportunity to learn about resources available to them. There will be interactive booths designed for engaging student learning as well as self-care activities like a bounce house, clay wheels, tie dying, and more. The Committee on Antiracism, Equity, and Justice will be at the “Empower” booth which offers opportunities to address mental health disparities in BIPOC communities and promote responsible allyship. Find us on the Mountainlair Green between 12-3pm on Tuesday, September 17.