The Initial Response from the School of Social Work

Here is the position that the School has taken. And while this is true, we can request a change in placement, it is not without time delays when we are pushed for 500 hours in a semester as is, and it is also not without fear of retaliation or proper informed consent. We are not informed of agencies’ protocols when we students are “vetted” and we are also not asked if we’re ok going to faith-based organizations who may have discriminatory practices. If we were compelled to, we would have to search for this information ourselves before even agreeing to the placement rather than being able to safely assume that any organization the School aligns itself with is in compliance with our ethical standards. We are therefore, unable to give reasonable informed consent to these placements. It is up to the School of Social Work to choose which organizations they will allow into the internship program. 

Furthermore, it would be discrimination if we were asking to exclude any or all faith-based organizations on the basis of their religious affiliation. That is not what this campaign has ever asked or been about.