Hello WSU Social Work Community,

This semester, the Wayne State School of Social Work is committed to amplifying the issues related to policies and practices within the U.S. that affect men, women, and children who enter as immigrants or seek refugee status. These issues affect our community and the individuals we work with in ways that are often hidden to those of us who enjoy the privilege of citizenship. Imagine being afraid to report a crime or domestic violence because you fear deportation. Imagine children imprisoned in detention centers or coming home to an empty home. Imagine restrictions on travel so that families are unable to visit each other because visas are no longer issued.

Not having to imagine, but actually witnessing detention centers in Texas, Social Work Dean Zayas (University of Texas, Austin) offers a heartfelt TED talk on 'How family separation at the US-Mexico border affects children's mental health'. These talks are great sources of information - but we are offering other opportunities for consciousness raising, knowledge enhancement and skill-building this semester. Today we welcomed students to an engaging discussion, "Immigration and Social Justice: The Heart of a Refuge", and I encourage our entire Social Work community to join us at our second event on November 21, 2019, the Edith Harris lecture "Advocating Social Justice: Immigration Policy and Social Work Practice". Our panel discussion will take place from 3 - 5 pm and will be followed by a reception for attendees from 5 - 6 pm.

These events build upon one another - and we are hoping that any social work faculty, students, families, and friends will join us in taking advantage of these opportunities to educate ourselves on the real-life implications of current policy - and learning how we can respond!

Thank you for your compassion and commitment!

Sheryl Kubiak, Dean
School of Social Work
Director, Center for Behavioral Health and Justice
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI 48202