On August 5, 2022, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) released its 2022 Exam Pass Rate analysis, revealing dangerous disparities among Black exam takers. The report revealed that roughly 45% of Black exam takers pass the first time compared to 80% of their White counterparts. Specifically, in Louisiana, the clinical pass rate decreases to 40% for Black exam takers while their White counterparts see a slight increase.

These alarming statistics echo an ugly history of standardized tests disproportionately affecting Black people (i.e., literacy tests, SAT, LEAP, etc.). Given this history, the Association of Black Social Workers at Louisiana State University has three objectives: (1) to raise awareness about exam disparities among social work (SW) students, (2) to propose solutions to identified stakeholders (i.e., ASWB, Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners [LABSWE], Council on Social Work Education [CSWE], etc.) in efforts to mitigate these harmful effects and (3) to protect future and current Black social workers from future threats to their learning and education.

We hope this call to action is a testimony to our love for this profession and our dedication to seeing justice for all social workers. We appreciate your support in our efforts.