'Beyond Blame: Learning from a Hate Crime'

This: a hate crime happens close to your school. You'd expect everyone to react the same way, right? Not quite. At Columbia University School of Social Work, reactions varied. Some students might have shown subtle racism without even realizing it. This isn't just about one bad incident; it's about how our own prejudices can fuel more harm. Fear and lack of diversity among students make it hard to have open conversations about such issues.But the good news is, the honest talks that followed the crime could be a chance to change things. We need to bring these kinds of reflections into our daily learning. That way, we can all understand our part in fighting or fueling racism. Only then can we become the social workers we aspire to be, tackling conflicts both inside and outside of us.