Invited Symposium III: Resisting Regression II: Strengthening Social Work Science and Collaboration Amid Anti-DEI and Anti-Democratic Initiatives

The rising tide of anti-DEI and anti-democratic initiatives within society and academia poses a substantial threat to the fabric of social work research, particularly in collaborations with historically marginalized and minoritized communities. These initiatives directly assault antiracist, anticolonial, and democratic principles, undermining the foundation of social work science and research collaborations. Anti-DEI initiatives directly threaten social work science by stifling the diversity of perspectives and experiences that enrich research and enhance its relevance to real-world problems. They also disrupt collaborative bonds between researchers and communities, essential for developing interventions that effectively address systemic inequities. Anti-democratic movements undermine open dialogue and shared decision-making, eroding trust between researchers and community partners, critical for co-creating knowledge that addresses the needs and rights of those most affected by injustice. Such changes not only jeopardize the integrity and efficacy of social work science but also challenge our commitment to fostering a just and equitable society.

The symposium will delve into the following areas: 1. Articulating the Threats: Examining how anti-DEI and anti-democratic initiatives undermine the antiracist, anticolonial, and democratic principles essential to social work research. This session will assess the nature and scale of these challenges, explore the motives behind such initiatives, and discuss their impact on marginalized and minoritized communities. 2. Implications of Threats: This discussion will focus on the consequences of these threats for social work researchers and the communities they collaborate with. It will explore both the historical and contemporary effects of these regressive trends on the profession and practice of social work, particularly how they hinder effective collaboration and the co-creation of knowledge. 3. Counter-strategies to Threats: Presenting actionable strategies to counteract the impact of anti-DEI and anti-democratic policies. This will include a range of responses such as advocacy for policy change, innovative research methodologies that reinforce democratic and inclusive principles, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure that social work research remains a powerful tool for justice and equity.