Message from Antoinette Y. Farmer, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity Equity, and Inclusion

A Message from Antoinette Y. Farmer, PhD

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the inaugural intersectionality, inclusion, diversity, equity, and advancement (IIDEA) Committee annual report was published. It is also hard to believe that we are still in a pandemic. Within the midst of this pandemic, important work is still being done to address inequities in the various systems where social workers are serving the most vulnerable. I commend each of you for doing this important work.

In this year’s report we start with an update on the goals for academic year 2021 2022, and then provide concrete examples of what has happened at the School to further IIDEA.

The School’s focus on IIDEA inspired faculty members Professor Emily Greenfield and Assistant Professor of Teaching Christine Morales to advocate for change in university policies as they related to individuals identifying as transgender, nonbinary, and other gender identities. Monica Sanagustin, MSW Student Representative, Traditional Program, was inspired to advocate for change in how individuals are portrayed in images in course shells. I applaud these individuals as they are the embodiment of my motto “Courage paves the pathway towards change.”

This year, we finalized the School’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan, which documents the strategic priorities and action steps which will be used to achieve these priorities. The School’s strategic priorities are intentionally aligned with the University’s priorities.

Furthering the principles of IIDEA needs to be constantly in the forefront of our minds. To do this work, it must be intentional, impactful, and transformational. It is my hope, and that of the IIDEA Committee, that everyone who reads this annual report thinks about the ways in which they can further the principles of IIDEA. Once you have thought about what you can do, you must act. If each of us does our part, we will truly be agents of change.

As always, I look forward to partnering with you to further the principles of IIDEA.

Antoinette Y. Farmer, PhD

Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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