A key component of social work is promoting social justice and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the resources they need to thrive. That includes groups that have historically faced oppression based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, faith, disability, or other factor. Anti-DEI legislation directly undermines this by dismantling efforts to understand and address systemic inequalities, thereby hindering our ability to advocate for and serve diverse communities with cultural humility and competence. Without DEI, social work cannot fulfill its commitment to a just and equitable society. 

House Bill 685 has already passed the Louisiana House of Representatives and is now under consideration in the State Senate. We encourage social workers to reach out to their Senator and encourage them to vote No on HB 685, thereby ensuring that Louisiana academic institutions continue to explore the historic and current impacts of oppression and provide unique, equitable services to a diverse array of people.