Are Colleges and Universities Failing to Meet the Needs of the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community By Failing To Meet The Needs of Social Work Students?

Abstract

With the notable trend for recognition of the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) Community, as well as their having issues that are separate and distinct from the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community, the need for social workers specifically trained to meet the needs of this population has become apparent. An absence of qualified social workers in both macro and micro fields has necessitated a review of all Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs to ascertain if education on TGNC individuals is being included in curriculum as is outlined in the CSWE diversity and accreditation standards. Currently, both baccalaureate and master’s programs are failing to address the TGNC community as a distinct population and due to an absence of education on the LGBT community as a whole, are failing to address them in a larger context. This finding not only impedes social worker’s ability to work with this disenfranchised, at-risk community, it may well encumber their employability as major employers such as the United States Veteran’s Association, the largest employer of social workers in the nation, is looking for employees who are trained in the unique needs of TGNC service men, women, and retirees. It is imperative that college and university schools of social work assess their curriculum at both the baccalaureate and master’s level to ensure that the current and future needs of the TGNC community are, and will continue to be, met by ensuring that their students receive the necessary education to meet these distinct needs.