I’m particularly interested to see how this policing of “divisive concepts” in Kentucky via anti-DEI legislation impacts my profession of social work where anti-racism, critical multicultural competency and appreciation of DEI concepts are integral to our professional Code of Ethics and accreditation standards.

Following these likely new state mandates – endorsed primarily by a number of legislators with limited experiences with oppression and discrimination – will impact our ability to fulfill our professional requirements at a national level in promoting the values and ethics of our field.

Social workers are greatly needed in Kentucky, which once had the highest rate of child abuse in the country. Are legislators now experts on how to train our social workers – who work with a large number of diverse, oppressed and marginalized populations? It’s going to be interesting the unintended consequences of such short-sighted, bigoted legislation on fields like ours and other helping professions.

Dr. Jay Gabbard

Bowling Green