Speaking out against hate speech and actions through social work research

Abstract

The report presents nation-states with a plan of action to address hate speech, however many, including the United States of America, grapple with limits to free speech that are imposed by such measures. Given the connection between hate speech and escalating violence (Moshman, 2020), this is a problem that must be solved not only for religious discrimination, but also for hate speech related to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The social work profession has much to offer to this goal. The Grand Challenges for Social Work identify core priorities around creating a just society that include addressing racism (Uehara et al., 2014), yet there is still work to do in the profession (Rao et al., 2021). Research is an area where social work can contribute toward social change. This second issue of 2021 brings a focus on both discrimination based on religion and use of religious principles to discriminate against others. Carole Cox presents a thoughtful and timely piece on ways to address anti-Semitism in social work education. Donna Wang and Akiva Perlman explore the tensions between Orthodox Judaism and the social work profession. Mona AboZena and Waheed Saif offer important guidance on addressing Islamophobia with children. Religious teachings regarding sexual orientation are explored with social work graduate students in thought-provoking research presented by Michael Woodford, Brittanie Atteberry-Ash, Ki Jaffee, and Adrienne Dessel. Mary Twis and Regina Praetorius offers us a unique window into well-