The BSW program makes continuous efforts to provide a learning environment that practices respect for all persons and understanding of diversity and difference. Specifically, the BSW program accomplishes this through our institutional setting; selection of field placement sites and their clientele; composition of program advisory or field committees; educational and social resources; resource allocation; program leadership; speaker series, seminars, and special programs; support groups; research and other initiatives; and the demographic make-up of our faculty, staff, and student body.
The Center for Social Work Education is strongly committed to the implementation of this policy statement in every aspect of its activities and has formulated the following position.
It is the policy of the Center for Social Work Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, physical handicap, race, age, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, creed or political beliefs in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid or other school-administered programs.
The Center for Social Work Education is committed to social justice and the enhancement of a high quality of life for all people and actively seeks to achieve this end through its mission, its policies and through the day-to-day activities of its faculty, staff and students.
As such, the Center seeks to encourage the development of an atmosphere which is highly sensitive to the diverse needs of its students, faculty and staff. Further, the program actively attempts to address and will not tolerate, discriminatory behaviors and attitudes associated with racism, sexism, classism, ageism, sectariansim, homophobia, transphobia and political or creedic differences which are important historical and contemporary barriers that place constraints upon the attainment of a high quality of life and social justice.
To achieve these ends, the program will provide material in its courses which will contribute to a better understanding of the value of diversity and the consequences of the oppressive nature of the behaviors and attitudes associated with racism, sexism, classism, ageism, homophobia and political or creedic differences. The program will also seek to maximize opportunities for the educational and social advancement of individuals who are members of groups, which have traditionally been excluded from such opportunities.
The program will also take strong action against individuals in instances of discriminatory conduct. In such situations, the offended party may bring a formal grievance to (in the following order): the offending party, the Associate Dean and Director of the Center for Social Work Education, the Academic Affairs committee of the Center for Social Work Education, the Dean of the School of Human Service Professions and the University Provost. Legal action under federal and state civil rights laws is also in force.
It is the policy of Widener University not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities.