Equity Case Studies Report - School of Social Work - University of ...

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UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 59 heterosexist 11 in design. Students at U of M’s Faculty of Social Work are also involved in governance and leadership regarding equity issues by being members of the Educational Equity Committee. These examples of leadership, governance, and strategic commitment from faculty and students demonstrate the integral role that committees, task forces, and caucuses can have in promoting positive changes in educational equity, within curriculum, policies, and overall practices. A key area lacking in many of the case study examples specific to Schools/Faculties of Social Work was leadership, governance, and strategic commitment to equity issues related to disability, including accessibility and accommodation. Although it does not provide specific examples of strategies, Dalhousie’s School of Social Work demonstrates progress in this area through their recognition of the lack of attention paid to persons with invisible disabilities in the development of educational equity policies and practices. The School is currently (2012) working on ways in which to include students, faculty, and staff who belong to this group under their affirmative action policies. As another example, the University of Calgary (U of C) demonstrates some practices that may be beneficial for the UBC School of Social Work in implementing strategies to improve equity for students with disabilities. There is a Disability Resource Centre, which provides support to students. One of the strategies that they use to provide support is the collaboration between the centre and the Nat Christie Adaptive Technology Centre, which “offers a wide range of adaptive technology options for students with a disability who are attending the University of Calgary” (University of Calgary, 2012). Additionally, connected to the Disability Resource Centre is the Committee on Issues for Students with Disabilities (CISD). The Associate Vice-President chairs this committee, which is 11 Heterosexism is a system of attitudes and biases in favour of heterosexual identity and relationships (Jung & Smith, 1993).
UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 60 also composed of one representative from each Faculty, the Disability Resource Centre Director, a student from the Students Legislative Council, two students who are members of an organization representing students with disabilities, a member of the Graduate Students Association, and two members external to the University with interest in disability-related issues (University of Calgary, 2012). This example illustrates the possibilities that may ensue from increasing collaboration with the UBC Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship and Access and Diversity. Furthermore, a suggestion for the School is to consider developing a committee or caucus for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, and to increase participation from students, faculty, and staff with disabilities on the Equity Task Force. Another vital component of establishing strategic commitment to equity and diversity in Schools and Faculties of Social Work is to produce written documents such as reviews reports, as well as policies and action plans that ensure the documentation and dissemination of equity issues and of the policies and plans in place that address them and sustain an environment of respect and practice of equity, anti-racism, and no discrimination. For example, Dalhousie University School of Social Work’s affirmative action policy, UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare’s Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Strategic Plan, the University of Manitoba Faculty of Social Work’s Equity Plan, and the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s Diversity Initiative. Each of these documents outlines goals and policies established to improve equity in their Schools/Faculties of Social Work. It is recommended that the School of Social Work makes available and accessible through the School’s webpage all documentation related to the development, implementation and sustainability of an equity action plan. Another theme that emerged in the case studies and other relevant resources was on the strategic importance of community involvement in leadership, governance, and strategic
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