Injustice in Their Midst: Social Work Students’ Awareness of Immigration-Based Discrimination in Higher Education

ABSTRACT

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 understanding 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 recommendations for educators on enhancing awareness.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jane McPherson

Jane McPherson, PhD, LCSW, MPH, is assistant professor and director of Global Engagement at the University of Georgia School of Social Work.

Tatiana Villarreal-Otálora

Tatiana Villarreal-Otálora, LCSW, is a doctoral student at the University of Georgia School of Social Work.

David Kobe

David Kobe is a BSW graduate from the University of Georgia School of Social Work who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning at Georgia Institute of Technology.