Task Force on Race and Social Justice

The Task Force on Race and Social Justice was convened between March 2019 and December 2019 to reexamine our efforts and recommit ourselves to this work. The Task Force met with members of the SP2 community, identifying our strengths and challenges in the areas of race and social justice. This work culminated in a series of recommendations and goals for improving the School’s structure and leadership, school climate, training, curriculum, and admissions and financial aid. In fall 2020, the Standing Committee on Race and Social Justice was established with faculty, staff, and students from each of the five degree programs to provide the infrastructure to develop and steer the plan for implementing SP2’s inclusion goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students

Our students join us from around the world, bringing with them a host of perspectives, lived experiences, and embodying SP2’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, intersectionality, inclusion, diversity in its various forms, and social justice. During their time here they engage in innovative research and meaningful fieldwork, striving every day to make lasting change and meaningful impact in Philadelphia and beyond.

“A central imperative for social work, policy, and practice is the fundamental need to think inclusively about the individuals, groups, and communities these disciplines will affect most. We are resolute in our intention to educate students of social policy and practice to embrace diversity and intersectionality in all its dimensions, and to create cutting-edge scholarship that enables our field to more effectively promote social justice.”

– Sara S. Bachman, PhD, Dean

Program Curriculums

Our focus on social justice demands a multifaceted approach to recognizing and celebrating the many identities, experiences, histories, and aspirations that animate our local and global community. This commitment permeates all five of our rigorous degree programs (MSW, MSSP, NPL, PhD, and DSW), helping bind these programs to SP2’s overarching mission: producing the best social service providers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders in the world.

The Penn Experience: Racism, Reconciliation, and Engagement

Launched in 2020, a non-credit asynchronous online course at SP2 aims to establish common basic language and concepts for incoming graduate and professional students to facilitate subsequent difficult conversations about race, racism, and difference in the classroom and beyond.

Visiting Scholars

Since 1908, the School has served as a temporary home for hundreds of Visiting Scholars joining us from around the world. This tradition of welcoming the best and brightest from abroad continues today, and many international scholars regard SP2 as their research home while in the United States.

Events

03/20

Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) Convening

The Center for Social Impact Strategy will be hosting learners from the Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact (DMSI) cohort for three days of immersive learning and community […]

Events

03/20

Graphic that states Kindness is contagious. Be the one who makes others feel included.

Acts of Kindness Pop-Up

Stop by the Caster lobby for a quick afternoon snack as you go about your day!

News

Aerial panoramic view of Paterson, NJ

Report: Guaranteed income improved financial well-being and quality of life in Paterson, NJ

In a report authored by SP2’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, findings from the Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program reveal connections between unconditional cash and recipients’ quality of life, financial well-being, ability to balance their time, and feelings of belonging.