New committee explores justice and equity in social work regulation
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are always considered when the ASWB Board of Directors and Nominating Committee make decisions about the association’s leadership. Our elected leaders and other volunteers consistently reflect the breadth of the social work profession, with diversity of leadership listed among the primary jobs of the Nominating Committee in the association’s bylaws (Article IX, Section 1). But this year, for the first time, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice have taken their place on the list of committees appointed by the ASWB Board of Directors.
While much focus has been on the examination program and the release of pass rates by demographics, ASWB’s leadership understands that DEIJ issues extend beyond the gatekeeping function of a licensing exam.
The DEIJ Committee, named earlier this year, has been charged by the Board of Directors with researching and establishing best practices in increasing justice and equity in social work regulation—from increasing diversity on regulatory boards to exploring disciplinary outcomes.
Leading that work is Angie DeLille of Minnesota, who chairs the committee. “I love this committee,” DeLille says. “We are taking a collaborative approach to this work, building off one another and bouncing ideas off each other” during their first meeting.
“I think it’s important work to do across our entire society,” DeLille says. “It seems like a natural fit for social work as well.”
The committee will start by meeting with social work regulators at this fall’s Board Member Exchange and Administrators Forum. These two gatherings are preconference sessions held in conjunction with the association’s Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly in November.
“We’re going to have rich conversations about DEIJ and how it relates to regulation,” DeLille says, “how it impacts regulatory mandates in our jurisdictions. … We want to see where everybody is right now. In the future, we want to offer guidance and best practices.” Those best practices will need to take into account that each jurisdiction is in a different place regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues.
A 14-year veteran of the Minnesota Board of Social Work and a member of the Lake Manitoba First Nation (Ojibwe), DeLille lives in Minneapolis, where the murder of George Floyd sparked weeks of civil unrest in 2020.
Floyd’s murder and the subsequent demonstrations around the world caused ASWB to sharpen its focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and justice. The appointment of the new DEIJ Committee is part of the Board’s response.
“I think this group is just outstanding,” DeLille says. “I left the meeting very hopeful.”
The DEIJ Committee met for the first time in mid-July, as part of the association’s weekend of committee meetings in Northern Virginia. Other ASWB committees convened that weekend as well.
- The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee focused on informing members about how the resolution process can guide ASWB policy.
- The Nominating Committee reviewed recommendations for the 2022 election slate.
- The Regulatory Education and Leadership Committee continued planning for the 2023 education meeting, which will focus on the art and science of data.
- The Regulation and Standards Committee wrapped up its two-year review of the Model Social Work Practice Act.
The DEIJ Committee met for the first time in mid-July, as part of the association’s weekend of committee meetings in Northern Virginia. Other ASWB committees convened that weekend as well.