Jennifer Diaz Axomulco

Social Work curriculum has continuously continued to push back anti-racism work in education. Integrating a Critical Race Theory (CRT) approach in social work decenters whiteness and anti-racist approach for social work practitioners. It challenges social workers to practice critical reflection on their own privilege. Allows for SW’s to provide more than just resources by recognizing how racism as a structural force shaping lives. It’s important to use this theory and integrate this in the MSW through readings, lectures, practices, and taking courses. 

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1995, also known as the ’94 Crime Bill, is a bill that continues oppression against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) by targeting them using federal money to hire police officers and build prisons to incarcerate more BIPOC for longer sentences. 67% of BIPOC make up the prison population. It’s important to understand this bill is rooted by colonization and furthers institutionalized racism which ultimately leads to structural oppression. Dismantling the 94’ Crime Bill and creating a more human centered approach for public safety and public transformation by prioritizing decarceration, investing in houses, in harm reduction approaches, substance use treatment, education, etc.