We are living in a time of political tumult and moral disgrace. Political leanings aside, there is no way to reconcile our social work values with the behavior of those who lead us. Integrity has yielded to moral brokenness; truth is elusive; and our basic sense of safety is challenged. We ask our students to raise their voices for social justice, and we aspire to be their role models in so doing. In this recent chapter in our history, the task at hand is the proverbial boulder to be pushed up a mountain.
Then, out of the chaos, come extraordinary people to be models for us all. Hope is restored as movements keep us on our moral path. Black Lives Matter led the way, and then young people—victims of trauma—from Parkland High School in Florida started a social movement. In the midst of their utter grief and horror, #NeverAgain was born. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, marched nationwide in protest of gun violence, asking for reform in gun laws. They are asking to be safe, and they are gaining more steam than anyone else has been able to on their behalf.
The growing outrage of those who have suffered sexual assault or harassment also gave root to the movement #MeToo. Out of the shadows come those who have been silent in their suffering, and are now uniting with the droves of others who share their story in some way. The “Dreamers,” too, establishing momentum to protect their place at home. The voice for social justice is growing stronger in all realms, and we are reminded that we really are more unified than not in the matter of values.
And we must remember that our students are not immune to matters of safety under our watch. I suspect no one reading these pages has escaped the experience of a student who has been subjected to harassment in their placement, or the fear of violence that we are not immune to in our social work orbit.
In this issue’s Conversation, Executive Editor Suzanne Sankar interviews Leila Wood, PhD, LMSW, Research Assistant Professor at the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA) at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Dr. Wood is the coauthor (with Dr. Carrie Moylan) of an article recommended in What We’re Reading about sexual harassment in field placements. We hope that you will find the article, and the conversation about this concerning topic, helpful in your roles as social work educators.
May we all find inspiration in those who have stepped up to create change, and hope in the unified voice for peace and justice.