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

UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 76
to acknowledge that as social and historic conditions are not equal for everyone, ‘equal
opportunity’ is insufficient. As such, it is necessary to implement concepts of equity, which
involves granting merit, ongoing support, and/or resources to individuals who have experienced
(and continue to experience) social barriers (University of British Columbia School of Social
Work Educational Equity and Diversity Strategic Plan, 2011).
Curriculum
For Schools of Social Work addressing equity and diversity in curricula, one of the
questions that surface is: is it more beneficial to integrate equity into exiting curriculum, or to
create separate courses on specific equity-related topics? From the examples in the individual
case studies, it is apparent that there are benefits to incorporating both options – equity and
diversity-inclusive curricula and required courses on equity issues, as well as additional electives
on equity-related topics. However, when integrating equity-related material into curricula, it is
essential that integration moves “beyond a token inclusion of content about diverse groups to a
fundamental integration of different ways of knowing” (MacDonald et al., 2003, p. 481). The
Schools of Social Work in the individual case studies shared their processes in trying to move
beyond such token inclusion. Each university employed several strategies, including
collaboration between the Equity/Diversity Committees and the Curriculum Committees, active
student participation in the construction and modifications of equity-related curricula, and
consideration during the hiring process of candidates’ ability to integrate equity in their
teachings. For example, Dalhousie’s School of Social Work endeavours to teach critical
reflection, diversity, and anti-oppressive practice from a social justice perspective in every
course they deliver, whether or not the course is specifically addressing an equity topic. This is