Concerns Rise Over Future Of UA School of Social Work
When Trussville State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-44) introduced House Bill 152 to no longer require the University of Alabama to maintain a stand-alone School of Social Work at the request of UA, it got pushback from Democrats. During committee hearings and floor debate Democrats voiced fear that doing away with the 1965 law requiring a stand-alone school clears the way for UA to do away with the program or restructure it into something smaller.
This semester, UA reports there are 644 students enrolled in social work, 329 are undergraduates and 318 are graduate students. UA's undergraduate social work enrollment is well above the national average of 129. Although one of the larger Schools of Social Work in the nation, it is the smallest school at UA.
UA countered concerns that the school wants to shut down or reduce the nationally recognized program, saying they want administrative flexibility and autonomy over the school's structure, aiming to better align with outcome-based funding models. Supporters argue the 1965 law is archaic, making UA the only state institution with a legislatively required separate school.
The fears of those opposed to the bill, that Gov. Ivey signed into law, were exacerbated when UA announced that current Social Work Dean, Schnavia Smith Hatcher is stepping down to return to a faculty position at The Capstone.
UA administration has sent one communication to students telling them not to worry. Yet students say they are worried because of a lack of clarity on what the future holds.
Independent, nonprofit news outlet Alabama Reflector reported that organizations such as the Justice Impact Group, LLC, an Alabama based social work focused government affairs and policy group have voiced concern that UA plans to lower social work from a school to a department, which could impact funding and research. It could also impact the program's accreditation.
In a commentary published by Alabama Reflector, Allison Berkowitz,a professor of social work at the University of North Alabama and Molly Cole, the founder and principal of Justice Impact Group raised fear that weakening the social work program could have a significant impact beyond the UA campus. They say it could destabilize a workforce that is critical to schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare offices, and community organizations across the state.
During floor debate Rep. Garrett could not answer what UA's plans are for the School of Social Work except to say, “The intention is not to dismantle the social work programs, or even the social work school."
Huntsville Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-10) was among the most vocal critics of the legislation during floor debate,
“I think in 1965, when the legislation was first enacted, that it was enacted for a reason, and I think not only is that reason still there, but it’s even more compelling today with the shortage we have in social workers,” Lands told Garrett when she took the microphone.
“I feel like this bill isn’t really solving any of the problems we have in social work. And those problems have to do with there are too few funded positions, the wages are low and do not reflect training or responsibility, there is high turnover and burnout and a lack of a coordinated workforce development strategy,” she added.
Birmingham Rep. Jaundalynn Givan (D-60) was even more direct in voicing concern, saying she heard that Republicans believe the school is "Too w-o-k-e."
UA has yet to reveal its future plans for the School of Social Work.
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
