Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Three students pose for a selfie in front of the UB logo.

In everything we do, we reflect an equitable and inclusive learning and working community that values the diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and sociocultural communities we serve.

We have a strong commitment to recruiting and nurturing students, faculty and staff who represent diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.

Message from Dean Alford regarding the Supreme Court's decision on race-conscious admissions

As a School of Social Work committed to increasing equity, dismantling systemic racism and rectifying injustices where they exist, we echo UB President Satish K. Tripathi’s message reaffirming UB’s values of social justice and diversity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on race-conscious admission programs.

Please read President Tripathi’s full statement here.

In camaraderie and solidarity,
Keith A. Alford
Dean and Professor

Justice for Greater Social Good

We pride ourself on our deliberate support of a more equitable social balance. You shouldn't be surprised to see our faculty vocally expressing solidarity with or aversion to the world's most pressing societal issues. Here are a few examples:

  • Racial Justice Network
    4/25/24
    Our Racial Justice Network is a cooperative, pluralist approach to cultivating racial equity in our school’s academic programs, research agendas, administrative policies and informal culture.
  • Turkey-Syria Earthquake: A Statement of Solidarity and Support
    3/16/23
    A statement from the UB School of Social Work Graduate Student Association and faculty.
  • Solidarity with our Trans Community
    3/8/23
    Dear UBSSW community,
  • Statement following the Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade
    7/1/22
    We, the undersigned members of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work community, are devastated and outraged at the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned fifty years of constitutional protections for abortion rights for women, girls, and others who can become pregnant.
  • Moving Toward Racial Justice
    6/2/20
    The horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of members of the Minneapolis Police Department comes on the heels of so many deaths of Black people and other People of Color by law enforcement, as well as through other racist violence. These acts need to be named for what they are–violations of globally accepted human rights, such as the right to life, human dignity, and freedom from violence and discrimination. They are rooted in systems of structural racism and unequal access to social and economic rights and protections that disproportionately affects the health, safety, and economic security of communities of color.
  • Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
    6/12/23
    Members of the faculty of the UB School of Social Work raise our voices in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and other struggles to end the dehumanization of people of color and to promote equitable and humane treatment for all people.
  • Support for Refugees and Newcomers
    12/23/19
    The UB School of Social Work recognizes the global scale of the refugee crisis and its impact on communities and countries around the world. We, the faculty, staff and students signed below, stand in solidarity with Syrian refugees and others fleeing conflict and unlivable circumstances.
  • Solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
    2/2/17
    We, the undersigned members of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work community, stand in solidarity with the sovereign Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their allies in strongly opposing the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
  • Support for Rohingya Refugees
    4/14/23
    An ongoing genocide of the Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine state has resulted in an exodus of currently stateless Rohingyas from Myanmar. More than 500,000 mostly Muslim Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh between August and September 2017, increasing the national count of Rohingyas to 800,000. The government of Myanmar frames the violence as a crackdown on terrorists by the military. However, reports from the newly built refugee camp in Bangladesh indicate that indiscriminate violence was experienced by men, women, and children. Consistent with the literature on wars, rape was used by the Myanmar military as a weapon of war. Among women who have traveled to the camps there are signs of violent gang rape and forced pregnancies.
  • Principles for Partnering with Community Organizations
    11/14/19
    Our School of Social Work frequently partners with organizations in the community as part of our work to educate students, develop knowledge and enhance the well-being of society. 

Diversity in the UB School of Social Work

The demographic snapshots below summarize the racial/ethnic composition of students, faculty and staff in the UB School of Social Work as of fall 2023.

Race and Ethnicity

Students

Zoom image: Pie chart of student diversity: White 65.62%, Unknown 4.55%, 2 or more races 3.14%, .094% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.30% Asian, 11.15% Black or African American, 8.32% Hispanic/Latino, 2.98% International (non-resident alien). Pie chart of student diversity: White 65.62%, Unknown 4.55%, 2 or more races 3.14%, .094% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.30% Asian, 11.15% Black or African American, 8.32% Hispanic/Latino, 2.98% International (non-resident alien).

Faculty

Zoom image: Pie chart of faculty diversity: White 68.57%, 17.14% Asian, 11.43% Black or African American, 8.32% Hispanic/Latino, 2.86%. Pie chart of faculty diversity: White 68.57%, 17.14% Asian, 11.43% Black or African American, 8.32% Hispanic/Latino, 2.86%.

Staff

Zoom image: Pie chart of staff diversity: White 87.561%, 2.08% American Indian or Alaska Native, 2.08% Asian, 6.25% Black or African American, 2.08% Hispanic/Latino. Pie chart of staff diversity: White 87.561%, 2.08% American Indian or Alaska Native, 2.08% Asian, 6.25% Black or African American, 2.08% Hispanic/Latino.
pie chart colors: grey, 2 or more races, teal American Indian or Alaska Native, coral Asian, light grey Black or African American, red Hispanic/Latino, dark teal International (non-resident alien), blue White, gold Unknown.