A body of Indiana social workers is backing Indiana University lecturer Jessica Adams after the university removed her from teaching a class over her approach to white supremacy.
The Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers released a statement that said it has “grave concerns” with the university’s handling of the situation. The organization said societal issues like systemic racism and injustice are inconvenient but critical conversations in the social work field.
“Not only was Ms. Adams teaching an approved curriculum as part of an accredited social work program, but she was training the next generation of behavioral health professionals, upon whom Hoosiers rely for their well-being and health,” board President Carissa Miller said in a Nov. 17 news release.
In September, Adams presented a graphic about white supremacy during her graduate-level social work class titled “Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice.” A student filed a complaint against her that drew issue with the inclusion of Make America Great Again on the graphic.
The graphic taught in class, which Adams provided to IndyStar, provides examples of what it labels covert and overt white supremacy. The original source of the pyramid is listed as the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence.
At the bottom of the pyramid are things like racist mascots, cultural appropriation and claiming reverse racism, which are characterized as covert or socially acceptable white supremacy. As the pyramid moves up to a point, the examples cross into overt white supremacy, including racial slurs and burning crosses, with lynching at the top.
President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan appears just below the line separating overt and covert white supremacy. Adams said her lecture was focused on the phrase, not the movement.
A letter from administrators said she potentially violated Indiana’s “intellectual diversity” law. Under Senate Enrolled Act 202, a professor must embrace free expression and intellectual diversity and may not lecture about political views unrelated to their field.
IU spokesperson Mark Bode previously said the university does not comment on personnel matters.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Social workers support IU prof removed for teaching MAGA is an example of white supremacy
Reporting by Cate Charron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
