NYC University Advocates for Progressive Policies Addressing Nonexistent Issue
In a move aimed at promoting cultural sensitivity and creating safe learning environments, the City University of New York's York College Master of Social Work (CUNY YCMSW) has announced the removal of the term "field" from its curriculum of study.
The decision, made by the MSW Team at CUNY YCMSW, comes as part of a broader debate about the terminology used in social work education. Traditionally, "field" refers to supervised, practical placements in real-world settings like hospitals or community organizations. However, the term has been associated with a painful historical era that inflicted significant harm on Black Americans/African Americans during their enslavement in America.
The CUNY YCMSW program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, emphasizes social justice, diversity, and respect for human dignity. The rationale for this change aligns with its mission to challenge oppression and promote inclusivity in education and practice.
Critics of removing the term "field" view the act as more symbolic than substantive, suggesting it may be a performative gesture rather than a change that impacts students’ education or experience significantly.
Justin Fields, a black athlete, shares the same name as the term being removed. He has not changed his name, indicating that the term itself is not inherently problematic for everyone.
The author, who is in the communications field, finds the removal of "field" from CUNY YCMSW's curriculum amusing. However, they argue that the word "field" should not be triggering for black students in the CUNY YCMSW program. The author perceives the removal of "field" as an unnecessary move by a "woke" school.
Despite the controversy, the CUNY YCMSW program remains committed to its mission of promoting social justice and creating safe learning environments for all students. The author expresses gratitude towards YCMSW for putting them in a good mood with its humorous statement about the change.
[1] Source: CUNY YCMSW official statement on the removal of the term "field" from its curriculum.
- The decision by the CUNY YCMSW program, focused on education and self-development, to remove the term "field" from its curriculum, despite being perceived as symbolic by some, aligns with its mission to promote inclusivity and social justice, venturing into the realm of general news due to the broader debate it has ignited.
- The author, working in the field of communications, finds amusement in the removal of the term "field" from CUNY YCMSW's curriculum, yet criticizes the move as an unnecessary action by a "woke" school, which also shines a light on politics as the exchange of ideas surrounding this decision unfolds, stirring discussions about the appropriate use of terminology in educational settings.
