The University of Alabama (UA) School of Social Work was established by the Alabama Legislature in 1965 to address what was then described as a critical shortage of trained professionals in the field. On Monday, State Rep. Danny Garrett filed House Bill 152 (HB 152), a one-page bill to remove the language in state statute that requires the university to continue that program as a standalone college.
The social sciences program is currently required by state law via Section 16-47-170:
"There is hereby created and established a graduate school of social work in the State of Alabama, to be under the sole management, ownership and control of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama. This school shall provide not less than a two-year course of instruction in social work and related subjects on the graduate level. It shall be known as the School of Social Work of Alabama; however, the board of trustees of the university may change this name."
This bill would not necessarily eliminate the program; other universities offer social work programs within different departments. Auburn University houses its program in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work within the College of Liberal Arts. At the University of Alabama, Birmingham, the social work program is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences as the Department of Social Work.
"UA is the state’s leader for social work education and research, and for 60 years has graduated highly skilled, highly versatile social work practitioners who strengthen communities across Alabama. We will continue to build upon that foundation, and this statutory change will provide the University autonomy over curriculum, organization and continued innovation in meeting the needs of the state and our students," Alex House a spokesman for the University of Alabama told 1819 News in a statement.
The School of Social Work has been plagued by allegations that it pushes diversity, equity, and inclusion and other divisive concepts. An image featured in the school's fundraising pitch shows the Dean, Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, strategically walking past a painting with the words "diversity," "equity" and "inclusion" painted on it.
Garrett also filed a second bill, House Bill 151 (HB 151), to repeal the law that establishes the Physicians Advisory Board of the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
Garrett has not replied to a request for comment on legislation.
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