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AboutOur Commitment to Diversity

The College of Social Work will ENGAGE with all minoritized communities to unequivocally DENOUNCE xenophobia, racial injustice and violence against communities who have endured the brunt of centuries of discrimination and violence.

We unequivocally support Black Lives Matter and continued peaceful protests. We support reform in how we police our communities, and accountability when police break the law. And we recognize that racism and oppression are further reflected in unequal access to education, housing, health care and employment.

We invite you to recognize this fundamental truth: Inaction, yours and ours, supports a societal status quo that perpetuates racism and inequality. And we invite you to replace fear and confusion with compassion and curiosity and learn more with us. As a college, we will even further focus our teaching, research and community advocacy to advance principles of anti-racism. Social work exists as a profession because living in our society is harmful to many. That should break your heart. And fill you with resolve for what could be.

DAVID JENKINS, Dean
MICHELLE JOHNSON-MOTOYAMA, Associate Dean of Research
LISA DURHAM, Assistant Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement
BRIDGET FREISTHLER, Professor of Social Work
NJERI KAGOTHO, Chief Diversity Officer
ERIC BODE, Chief Administrative Officer
ELAYNE SIEGFRIED, Associate Director, HR Business Partner

“As a college, we will even further focus our teaching, research and community advocacy to advance principles of anti‑racism.”

Creating a Trauma-Informed Culture

The Ohio State University has a very diverse student body. One thing that can be common across all groups is some of the members of the Ohio State family having psychological trauma which usually is not visible and may impact the academic performance and overall well-being of students, staff and faculty. Some people who have experienced trauma may seek trauma-specific mental health services to help them deal with it. However, many people with trauma histories may not seek such services. To benefit the largest number of people with trauma histories, it is important for organizations to create a culture that is trauma-informed. Read more.

2020 #BLM Activation and Resource Guide

This resource guide was compiled by member of the College of Social Work community to help deepen learning and connect with action in support of the Movement for Black Lives. We welcome your contributions as well. Contact Advocacy Director Steve David (david.54@osu.edu) if you have additional information or questions.

Addressing racism and inequity: Respectful dialogue toolkit

To achieve a fairer, more equitable and just society, conversations about race, inequity and difference are critical. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, and University Libraries have created a respectful dialogue toolkit with strategies, webinars and events for engaging these meaningful conversations.

Statement on Transgender and Gender Equality

The Ohio State University College of Social Work is in solidarity with transgender and gender diverse children, adolescents, and adults. As social workers and scholars, we promote social justice for vulnerable populations through high-quality research and evidence-based practice. Read the full statement from the college.