Social justice and racial equity are at the core of our social work mission—foundational tenets that inform, drive and strengthen everything we do, from teaching and research to public service and community engagement.

On Sept, 10, 2020, UW President Ana Mari Cauce articulated the University's commitment to antiracism in a letter to the UW Black Student Union in response to specific concerns voiced by UW students. On February 22, 2021, UW Provost Mark Richards announced a Faculty Diversity Initative that includes $5 million in funding for faculty hiring in the next two years.

The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity published the 2022–2026 UW Diversity Blueprint to provide an overarching framework so that each academic unit can align its particular priorities and measure its success.

At the School of Social Work, we are introducing antiracist strategies, including a fellowship program that enables faculty to enhance their personal and professional development of antiracism knowledge and skills. We are also deeply involved in the Grand Challenges for Social Work, providing leadership for the grand challenge to eliminate racism. 

    DEI leadership statements and editorials  

    School of Social Work statement on Israel-Hamas war — Oct. 12, 2023

    A personal message of solidarity with the residents of Maui from Dean Michael S. Spencer — Sept. 13, 2023

    Pride 2023: A personal message from Val Kalei Kanuha, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs — June 7, 2023

    Joint statement on the 2022 Iran protests from the deans of the University of Washington schools of nursing, public health, social work, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry—Oct. 6, 2022

    Joint statement on Roe v. Wade from the deans of the University of Washington schools of nursing, social work, and public health—June 24, 2022

    Indigenous Peoplesʻ Day: Honoring the First Peoples of the Americas—Oct. 11, 2021

    A School of Social Work leader reflects on the discovery of unmarked Native gravesites—June 29, 2021

    Ending anti-Asian violence requires urgent action at all levels—March 18, 2021

    School of Social Work leadership statement regarding today's assault on our democracy—Jan. 8, 2021

    Don’t co-opt social workers on the path to police ‘reform’—Aug. 20, 2020 

    Leadership letter supports academia and state shutdown in solidarity with all Black lives—June 10, 2020

    "Once again, it is time for us to stand together for justice"—May 29, 2020