Social work ethics oppose discriminatory practices and policies, yet little is known about social work students’ awareness of such discrimination. In some U.S. states, education policies discriminate against undocumented youth and... more
Social work ethics oppose discriminatory practices and policies, yet little is known about social work students’ awareness of such discrimination. In some U.S. states, education policies discriminate against undocumented youth and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, by limiting access to higher education or imposing prohibitive fees. This survey-based study measures undergraduate social work students’ knowledge regarding immigration-based educational discrimination and assesses their under- standing of how social work’s ethical mandates require them to respond. Most respondents, 83.4%, agreed that it is segregation to exclude such students from the university, but 25% were unaware of discriminatory practices within their own university. Limited knowledge leaves students ill- prepared to advocate for immigrant rights. Authors include recommenda- tions for educators on enhancing awareness.
