Race, Law, and Social Work: Serving Communities of Color Using Anti-Racist Principles

This conference will explore the issue of race in the fields of social work, law, and law enforcement. For years, communities of color have been plagued with over-surveillance by both police officers and social workers in social services agencies. We will discuss the role of social workers, lawyers, and police in providing services to communities of color using an anti-racist lens.

The program will answer the question: Is it possible for social workers and police officers to work in partnership with communities to keep residents safe? It will feature the voices of current law, social work, and law enforcement professionals, as well as students who are committed to anti-racist principles, who want to work toward promoting social justice in their careers. The discussion will focus on the challenges and present solutions for effective community partnerships.

The program will feature two panels, with a transition between panels by Tina Maschi, Ph.D., professor, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service (GSS).

Panel One: Moderated by Anne Williams-Isom, James R. Dumpson Chair in Child Welfare Studies

• Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
• Bennett Capers, professor, Fordham Law School
• Derrick Jackson, director of community engagement, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office
• Renae Lockhart, sergeant, Raleigh Police Department

Panel Two: Moderated by Kandra Knowles, licensed social worker, Fordham doctoral student 

• Felecia Pullen, doctoral student, Fordham; founder and CEO, Pillars
• Celia Goble, student, dual M.S.W./J.D. Program, Fordham
• Casey Dean, student, M.S.W. Program, Fordham
• Carlos Rojas, doctoral student, Fordham

This event is co-sponsored by the GSS Action Committee for Racial and Social Justice and the Graduate School of Social Service M.S.W./J.D. Dual Degree Program