Buddhist principles that can inform social workers commitment to anti-racism and social justice

ABSTRACT

Over the past several years, the media has given greater attention to unarmed Blacks murdered by members of law enforcement. Even though African Americans comprise 13% of the population in the United States, they are disproportionately more likely to die at the hands of police. Many scholars highlight racism is the root of this violence. The premature deaths of unarmed African Americans have resulted in increased attention on anti-racism and social justice efforts, particularly within many Social Work programs in the United States. Since social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships are core values within the field of Social Work (National Association of Social Workers), we will examine how social workers may perpetuate racism by engaging in practices that are harmful to oppressed populations. In addition, we will discuss SGI Nichiren Buddhist principles and practices that could be incorporated into social work education and training to lessen the likelihood that social workers will contribute to the problem of racism. Furthermore, we will discuss how social workers can help train members of law enforcement to engage in anti-racist practices. Ultimately, we will examine principles of SGI Nichiren Buddhism that can inform social work’s commitment to anti-racism and social justice.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-racist
• black
• Buddhism
• law enforcement
• police
• racism
• SGI Nichiren buddhism
• social justice
• social Work

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Also referred to as SGI-USA Buddhism.

2. Mildred was African American and Richard was Caucasian.

3. Soka Gakkai International-USA, Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, One Earth Sangha, Buddhist Global Relief, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Insight Meditation Community of Washington, Prescott Insight Meditation Sangha, Upaya Zen Center, Shu Order of North America, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, Zen Studies Society and Zen Center of Syracuse, World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Giac Hoang Temple, Washington, D.C., Dzogchen Center, Buddhist Council of New York, Won Buddhism, BCA, New York Buddhist Church, Honganji Buddhist Temple, Stonehill College, University of the West, Shambhala International, Shantideva Meditation Center, James Madison University, Zenshuji Soto Mission/Soto Zen, Spirit Rock Center, Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW), Lehigh University, Guhyasamaja Center, FPMT, Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, Chicago, World Wildlife Fund & One Earth Sangha, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, SGI-USA, Howard University, Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Natural Dharma Fellowship, IMCW & MPG-Annapolis, Buddhist Council of New York, Indian Buddhist Vihara – Accokeek, Dharmakaya Buddhist Association, Village Zendo – NYC, Wat Jotanaram, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Korean Buddhist Taego Order, NACOLE, Guhaya Samaja, Shambhala International, Insight Meditation Community of Washington, Alan Senauke Clear View Project, Fo Guang Shan – Hsi Lai Temple, Naropa University and Shambhala, Brooklyn Zen Center, Guhyasamaja Buddhist Center, Wat Thai DC, Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc., Blue Cliff Monastery, NY – Thich Nhat Hanh, Chattanooga Insight/Dharmagiri South Africa, University of Southern California, Center for Transformative Change, East Bay Meditation Center, Dharma Drum Mountain/Chan Meditation Center.