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Critique of Social Work Accreditation: DEI vs. Mental Health

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

Defending Education released a report criticizing the accreditation process for U.S. social work programs as favoring a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda.
The report says the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) mandates DEI in curricula, with over 500 accredited programs.
Reagan Dugan of Defending Education argues programs should focus on mental health needs, not ideological training.
The CSWE has reportedly earned over $40 million in fees since 2016.

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Story summary

Defending Education released a report criticizing the accreditation process for U.S. social work programs as favoring a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda.
The report says the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) mandates DEI in curricula, with over 500 accredited programs.
Reagan Dugan of Defending Education argues programs should focus on mental health needs, not ideological training.
The CSWE has reportedly earned over $40 million in fees since 2016.