Unpacking Bias: What Social Work Students Need to Learn

A recent incident near Columbia University's School of Social Work highlighted some underlying biases among students. Instead of encouraging open discussions, fear and a lack of diversity seemed to hold them back. However, the situation presented an opportunity to learn and grow. Incorporating these lessons into the curriculum can help students understand their role in either challenging or perpetuating prejudice. Facing our biases head-on can make us better social workers and more effective in our fight against racism.It's crucial to talk about these issues openly and honestly. We must create an environment where students feel comfortable exploring their biases and learning how to counteract them. This way, future social workers can be better equipped to tackle prejudice in their professional lives.