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September 18, 2001
Dear SSW Community:
In response
to the aftermath of the past week's events, the resident
faculty of the Smith College School for Social
Work and I would like to convey the following sentiments
to our academic community:
First, let us convey our profound
sorrow about the loss of so many innocent lives, and our
heartfelt condolences
to
any member of the community who has experienced a personal
loss at this difficult time. The damage inflicted on New
York City and Washington, D.C. is so shocking and the loss
of life so appalling that we assume no one of us is unaffected.
It seems likely that the crisis will continue and perhaps
even deepen in the weeks and months ahead. We ask then, that
in your grief and concern for others, you also remember to
find ways of taking care of yourselves, and of affirming
or reaffirming your fundamental belief in people's potential
to create a safe and just world for all.
Second, as the year
progresses, it will be even more important than usual for
you to use the support of your supervisor,
Faculty Field Advisor and trusted colleagues as you work
toward fulfilling your personal goals for clinical social
work education and your professional responsibilities to
clients and your placement agency.
All of us probably agree
that the government will have to formulate some response
to the terrorist attacks. We may
not, however, agree about the nature and dimensions of an
appropriate response. It is our responsibility as social
workers, social work interns, educators and members of the
School's support staff to think deeply and carefully about
how we want to respond to these events, and in what ways
we can be of help to others as they try to understand the
meaning of what has happened. As colleagues in an institution
that promotes anti-racism initiatives, it is also our collective
responsibility to combat the racist attitudes and behaviors
being enacted towards individuals now perceived as "enemies" in
our midst. It is a responsibility we must now, more than
ever before, undertake seriously and with commitment.
While
feelings of rage and horror are understandable at this
time, many of you are likely to hear overt racist comments
about individuals who are thought to originate in Islamic
nations. Moreover, some of you may become the targets of
very personal racist acts or comments. In our private worlds,
we can challenge those individuals who demonize or scapegoat
us and/or particular members of our communities. And, we
know that demonizing others will not bring justice, bring
back loved ones or increase our safety. In our professional
worlds, we may be faced with clients who exhibit overtly
racist attitudes. We encourage you to talk about possible
intervention strategies with other social workers, your
supervisors,
your faculty field advisor, and those trusted others you
ordinarily look to for support.
The faculty and staff at
the School are shocked and saddened in the wake of last
week's terrible events. For now, perhaps
the most constructive thing you can do is to stay connected
with each other, with loved ones and with us at the School.
Please let us know if there are specific issues or concerns
we can address. Our thoughts are with all of you as you
(and we) struggle to respond to this tragedy, and to
find meaningful
ways of contributing to our personal and professional
communities.
Carolyn Jacobs
Acting Dean of the Smith College School for Social Work |
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