Description
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programs and initiatives aim to tackle inequities that impact those with marginalized identities in our institutions and greater society. However, this work has been under attack. Over the past two years, more than 30 states have introduced or passed bills that aim to restrict or ban D.E.I. work, including prohibiting bias and diversity training to terminating positions and offices leading DEI efforts. Furthermore, these bills are having an impact on higher education and the social work field. Join us as we discuss the rise of anti-DEI legislation, its impact on our field, and ways we can combat and sustain DEI work for the future.
Instructor
Neijma (she/her), JD, MSW, LCSW-C, is the Associate Dean for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Social Work. She began her role at the School of Social Work in August 2020. In her role, Neijma leads the school’s diversity and anti-oppression efforts and helps guide the achievement of a new standard for inclusive excellence. As a member of the Dean’s leadership team, Neijma has a strategic position responsible for promoting and enabling an inclusive environment for faculty, students, and staff while championing organizational change. She comes to the School from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she served as a director in the University’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion. She is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work program and the University of Baltimore School of Law.
(she/her) is the DEI Coordinator in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Social Work. In her role, she develops diversity and inclusion-focused education, programs, and events for the SSW faculty, staff, students, and local community. Locally, Julia also works with Baltimore Racial Justice Action (BRJA), which works with individuals and organizations to fight against racism & other forms of institutional oppression. With BRJA, she serves as an Advisory Board Member, Primary Trainer, and 13th of the Month Event Co-Coordinator. Her interest revolves around using Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppression frameworks to approach community building and leadership programming. Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Morgan State University.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Anti-DEI legislation tracker. (n.d.). CSWE. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.cswe.org/advocacy-policy/anti-dei-legislation-tracker/
Barsky, A. (2023, November 7). Ethics alive! Anti-DEI laws, moral distress, and student roles. Socialworker.com. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/anti-dei-laws-moral-distress-student-roles/
Erin Gretzinger, M. H. (2025, July 15). Tracking Higher Ed’s Dismantling of DEI. Chronicle.com. https://www.chronicle.com/article/tracking-higher-eds-dismantling-of-dei
Flannery, M. E. (n.d.). Anti-DEI laws take aim at students of color and LGBTQ+ students. Nea.org. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/anti-dei-laws-take-aim-students-color-and-lgbtq-students
Hicks, M. (2024, June 21). The New Anti-DEI Bureaucracy. Chronicle.com. https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-new-anti-dei-bureaucracy
Lusk, E., Crudo Creative, Wallace, C., O’Connor, R., Burnette, D., & Mendoza, C. (2024, June 12). The Chronicle Explains the Assault on DEI. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-chronicle-explains-the-assault-on-dei
Malibiran, G. (2024, June 18). Growing anti-CRT and anti-DEI legislation reveals the continued institutional racism of higher education. USC Equity Research Institute (ERI). https://dornsife.usc.edu/eri/2024/06/18/blog-institutional-racism-in-higher-education/
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
The base price is $25, which includes CE credit.
Late Fee:Two weeks before the class, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.
Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.** Cancellations must be received 24 hours in advance prior to the workshop to receive a refund or an account credit.
ADA Accommodations
If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact our office via email at least two weeks prior to the workshop date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled.
Our email address is cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives:
1. To explore and learn about the history and rise of anti-DEI legislation.
2. To understand the impact anti-DEI legislation has on Higher Education and Social Work/Human Services
3. To explore the role of social workers in fighting anti-DEI attacks and sustaining equity work.
4. To learn about current efforts and strategies in fighting anti-DEI legislation
5. To develop personal and professional goals around continuing DEI work
