Kassiquan

CAIRN UNIVERSITY

Please take the time to carefully read this blog; it’s important to me and my colleagues.  May 26, 2021 for past and present social workers of Cairn University was the start of an emotional, questionable, and confusion journey in the history of Cairn; the closing of the School of Social Work, which began its Master of Social Work program this year.  Imagine the shock, the pain and hurt we all felt by this news, receiving a letter written by the President of Cairn without warning, an exploding bomb and a knife to our hearts.  Here is a copy of the letter written by the President.

             Dear Social Work Alumni,

I am writing to update you on some very important developments at the University. There will be additional communication from the University with more specifics, but I did not want to wait any longer than necessary to get this news to you. After much prayer and deliberation, the University will be eliminating the School of Social Work and all programs offered through it, effective Fall 2021. At its spring meeting this week, the Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from the administration to this effect. The rationale for this decision and what you can expect during this transition are outlined below. 

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) released the latest draft of their required institutional criteria for accreditation. This draft has not yet been finalized, but it indicates the trajectory the council is on. The draft includes significant changes built upon theoretical and philosophical assumptions that require instructional and curricular commitments inconsistent with our own institutional commitments. It also embraces a social and cultural agenda that now includes the acceptance of a view of human sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression that is inconsistent with the University’s biblical position on human sexuality. In addition, previous CSWE guidelines have permitted institutions to interpret the guidelines in a way that aligns with their university mission; that language has been removed in the most recent draft, so, if approved, institutions will be required to align with the values and purposes of the profession that are outlined in the document as being built upon a set of critical theory and intersectionality assumptions and values inconsistent with our biblical view of humanity, human nature, and the world. Considering this information in tandem with the School of Social Work’s pre-existing issues of sustainability and enrollment, the Board of Trustees and I believe that this is the time to make the difficult but necessary decision to close the School of Social Work and reallocate university resources to other strategic needs and opportunities. 

The dilemma with our position regarding the social work programs is that unlike other programs, social work in the United States has only one accrediting body, and students cannot pursue licensure or a career in social work without a CSWE-accredited social work education. This means that our affiliation with CSWE is required in order to prepare the love of Christ, and to sharing the good news of His gospel. We will be striving to find additional ways to do that and additional ways to carry out the mission of this University despite the elimination of this specific professional preparation program. We are obligated to do so as followers of Christ in obedience to His Word and according to His example. I look forward to sharing with you exactly how we will do that in the future. Our current programs in psychology, counseling, criminal justice, and youth and family ministry remain intact and will be integral to our development of new opportunities that send students into the world as servants of Christ. Additionally, all academic programs will be discussing how they can address the critical issues faced by human beings made in the image and likeness of God in our current day. 

This decision was not easy to make. Social work at the University has a rich heritage of over 50 years. We have sent generations of graduates into some of the most challenging and difficult contexts where human suffering is the most pronounced. We have had faculty and staff members whose tireless commitment to the Lord and to their profession has had a significant and eternal impact not only on their students but on the region and the world. Our institution was a pioneer of training social workers from an explicitly biblical world view. That is something we will always be proud of, and we praise God for giving us the opportunity to do it for so long. We also recognize that everything has a season, and that even the best things, which have shaped us and given us joy, must sometimes come to an end. This is a sad development, and we grieve, but we must trust the Lord. We must also celebrate and affirm you, the graduates of the social work program, in the important calling you have been given, and encourage you all we can to keep pursuing excellence as social workers. 

To clarify, the accreditation attributed to your BSW is not affected by the closure of the School of Social Work. And while we will not be accepting any new social work students, the University is committed to a teach-out program that will allow our current students to finish their biblical social work education at Cairn and graduate with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree. Dr. Juliet Campbell-Farrell will be leading a transition team that includes Dr. Lawrence Ressler and Mrs. Meghan Krouse. These individuals have the trust and confidence of colleagues; the administration; the students; and you, the alumni. I am sure that you may take some time to process this news, and know that Nate Wambold (alumni@cairn.edu) will be available for any questions or conversations about this change. There are also some initial alumni FAQs outlined for you below. 

I understand this decision is a hard one to bear and that you may be angry, confused, hurt, and disappointed. It is a decision I hoped we would never have to make. I have been a proponent of social work going back to my days as the undergraduate dean in the mid-1990s. I taught many social work majors over the years, including many of you who are studying here now, and I trust you know we will do all we can to care for you as we make this transition. We have a faithful God, and I pray that you will continue to walk a different path with us as we continue to follow Him where He leads us.

 President Williams

The closing of the School of Social Work at Cairn reached the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  Below is Chapter’s statement:

 

NASW-PA started this petition to Cairn University University President Todd Williams and 1 other

 

Harrisburg, PA - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and its Pennsylvania Chapter have grave concerns about Cairn University’s sudden dismantling of its social work program because of University President Todd Williams’ stance on the “social and cultural agenda” promoted by the social work profession, including LGBTQ+ inclusivity. We support the Cairn faculty, students, staff, and alumni who were hurt by this decision.

 

This decision is the result of failed executive leadership at the University, and as such must be retracted immediately for the good of the institution and the community.

 

“If the announced Cairn University decision stands, Cairn has failed its students, the social work community, and residents of the communities that depend on Cairn’s social work graduates to serve their communities,” NASW CEO Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, said. “Given COVID and recent demands for more social workers in healthcare, schools, mental health and social services, this failure comes at a time when the need for social work services is greater than ever.  NASW calls on Cairn University’s executive leadership to rescind this decision and offers its assistance in finding alternatives to addressing concerns.”

 

Last week, Cairn University, a small private Christian college located near Philadelphia, abruptly announced that it is closing its School of Social Work effective immediately.

 

If you visit Cairn University’s website now, you will find little evidence that the School of Social Work ever existed. There’s no mention of the 56-year history of the social work program or its status as the first Bible college to offer a BSW degree. There’s no bragging about the students or faculty, nor info about the school’s alumni – many of whom have gone on to be national and international leaders in social work. Instead, all you will find is a 404 error message: page not found.

 

The Cairn School of Social Work was doing well. It had recently been reaccredited for eight years by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and had met a milestone for starting a new master’s program. So why is it now closing and being completely erased?

 

The stated rationale by the University President for the closure was in response to an initial draft of new accreditation guidelines published by the CSWE. According to the announcement email sent from President Williams to the students and alumni, the decision is based on “significant changes” in the draft that “embraces a social and cultural agenda that now includes the acceptance of a view of human sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression that is inconsistent with the University’s biblical position on human sexuality” and is “built upon a set of critical theory and intersectionality assumptions and values inconsistent with our biblical view of humanity, human nature, and the world.”

 

Considering that a side-by-side comparison of the current and proposed CSWE standards finds almost no changes in the language on sexual orientation or gender identity that President Williams mentions, and Williams’ vague references to intersectionality and “critical theory,” it is unclear the degree to which this decision was also based on the inclusive, explicitly anti-racist language added throughout the document.

 

University President Todd Williams and his Board of Trustees made the decision in a closed-door meeting.  There was no discussion, no opportunity for community or even internal comment, no chance for the School of Social Work to make the case for itself to continue.  To our knowledge, the decision was made without Todd Williams or the Board of Trustees reaching out to the CSWE for clarification on the language that concerned them.

 

In today’s world of competing crises, the demand for trained, professional social workers has never been higher. In light of this, NASW and its Pennsylvania Chapter take issue with this decision and its impact on students, faculty, and staff.  The stated rationale is even more concerning, as it appears to have been a reactionary, impulse decision from President Williams rejecting LGBTQ+-inclusive and anti-racist language in a draft document.  The School has successfully integrated its Biblical teachings with social work’s diversity and anti-discrimination focus for more than 50 years, and that would have continued under the new CSWE standards were they to become final. However, President Todd Williams allowed his own snap judgement to supersede what is in the best interest of the University, the students, and the communities that have been helped by the graduates of the social work program.

 

This decision must not stand and is the result of failed executive leadership at the university. As MSW student Karissa Forino stated, “I’m standing up now because the very training I received at Cairn University taught me I cannot ignore this act of injustice.” In an effort to amplify the voices of those most impacted, a few additional statements are included below:

o  “The circumstances surrounding the end of the program leave me to question the hearts of those in authority at Cairn. Their stance on the LGBTQ+ feels like they are avoiding the real-life issues surrounding that community. Jesus calls Christians to serve, and it is shocking they would take out a program so dedicated to the service of others.”  Julie Swanson, MSW student

o  “We fight social injustice and oppression outside the walls of Cairn as Christian social workers, and for Cairn to become the oppressor [through President Williams’ actions] is incredibly heartbreaking.” Anonymous BSW student

o  “Being a student of color, I’ve often had to push for changes in areas of diversity and representation. The School of Social Work is one if the few areas at Cairn I felt worked proactively on these issues and hoped to see this expand. Unfortunately, with the closing of the School of Social Work, I feel I am watching it diminish.” Simone Wesley, education student

o  “This news is incredibly embarrassing and disappointing. To turn your backs on a 50+-year-old program with professors, staff, and students that were historically mainly BIPOC, is telling the LGBTQA+ and BIPOC community that their voices and experiences don’t matter.” Alexandra De Leo, LMSW, Cairn alumni

NASW and its Pennsylvania Chapter demand University President Todd Williams and the Board of Trustees immediately restore the School of Social Work, including retaining or reinstating the School’s faculty, and acknowledge the damage done to the University and its students.  Additionally, any students who are forced to or who choose to transfer as a result of this decision should be partially reimbursed for tuition and expenses as restitution for the harm caused.

 

“Social workers play a vital role in making life better for others and are essential to the health and well-being of our communities,” said NASW-PA’s Executive Director Johanna Byrd, ACSW, CAE, IOM. “Any decision to close a social work program should be done inclusive of stakeholder input and after making every attempt to resolve conflicts. The capricious nature of this decision by President Williams displays an unconscionable lack of concern for the harmful impact to the students and the surrounding community.”

In addition, here is the response from the Council of Social Work Education that mentions statements, which are false, Cairn’s President expressed in his letter.

 

Statement on Cairn University Concerns With Draft 2022 EPAS

 

On May 26, Cairn University President Todd J. Williams informed students that he and the Board of Trustees had decided to end Cairn’s baccalaureate and master’s social work programs. Although accreditation is voluntary, we are disappointed that the university did not consult with CSWE before making the decision.

 

In a letter to students, President Williams cited concerns over the financial sustainability of Cairn’s programs as well as concerns, held by Williams and the Board of Trustees, about the draft Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) currently under development by the Joint EPAS Writing Committee (made up of members of the CSWE Commissions on Accreditation and Educational Policy).

 

Williams cited concerns about the need for social work programs to address human sexuality and gender identity in a manner that is “inconsistent with the University’s biblical position on human sexuality.” This language appeared in the 2008 EPAS and in the 2015 EPAS and has not been dramatically changed in the draft 2022 EPAS. In fact, in the 2022 draft, Competency 2 includes more language about social workers understanding the pervasive nature of racism in our society as well understanding “how diversity and different experiences with equity and inclusion characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the development of identity.”

 

Williams’ letter stated that “previous CSWE guidelines have permitted institutions to interpret the guidelines in a way that aligns with their university mission" and implied that the draft 2022 standards remove this permission for interpretation and force programs to teach "a set of critical theory and intersectionality assumptions and values inconsistent with our biblical view of humanity, human nature, and the world.” This is a false statement, and it is worth mentioning here that CSWE is aware of efforts in some states to limit the ways that some institutions educate students about racism, diversity, and equity.

 

The current 2015 EPAS and the draft 2022 EPAS articulate competencies that all students must achieve and do not specify theories to be taught. Programs have never had the flexibility to "interpret" standards to align with university mission. In the current draft 2022 EPAS, programs are no longer required to articulate how the university and program missions align. That said, such alignment is also not prohibited. In addition, programs may add competencies to their program beyond EPAS requirements, and some programs at religiously affiliated institutions add an additional competency related to spirituality.

 

It would be unfortunate if Cairn’s president and Board of Trustees ended their social work programs based on misinterpretations of the draft EPAS and without participating in the open feedback process. It is also unfortunate that it appears students and faculty were abruptly alerted to the decision to end the baccalaureate and master’s programs, the latter of which received candidacy-status accreditation this year.

 

That said, CSWE will gladly work with Cairn administrators to support the students and faculty of their programs in accordance with Policy 1.2.9 of the EPAS Handbook (Program Closure and Withdrawal of Accredited Status), so that they will be able to continue their studies and work and pursue their dreams and careers in social work.

In conclusion, students and alumni are coming together to address this issue advocating for the program and challenging Cairn’s decision; we want answers, clarification and a resolution.  I know this is quite a long read but I, like many others were moved to express our concerns; below is mine.  Watch the brief video links attached for an overview of Social Work with Cairn and the President’s initial support.

 May 28, 2021

Dear Cairn President Todd Williams;

               It is with great sadness, disappointment and painful spirit that I write this letter.  I am a 1990 graduate of Cairn University’s (Philadelphia College of Bible) Social Work program earning a dual Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Social Work of which I proudly display in my office.

               I work for CAMBA, a not-for-profit agency in Brooklyn, New York as a Social Worker and Program Manager in our Violence Prevention and Intervention Services providing comprehensive services to victims of all crimes including domestic/ intimate partner violence, gun violence and sexual assault.  I also oversee a comprehensive youth education program that facilitates evidence-based curricula to middle and high school youth on pregnancy prevention and sexual health risk behaviors.  Although CAMBA is not a faith-based agency, I completed 23 years of service this past March.  I could have chosen to work elsewhere but strongly believe this is where God has led me to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13, 15).  Firmly grounded through Cairn’s biblical and social work education I am able to integrate my walk of faith in the work I do.  My social work platform is Micah 6:8, “He [God] has shown you, O man (woman & child), what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

The song representing my social work beliefs and values is Wounded Soldier written by Steve Green which I quoted in our PCB yearbook of 1990; “Come let us pour the oil; come let us bind their hurt, let's cover them with a blanket of His love.  Come let us break the bread, come let us give them rest, let's minister to healing to them, don't let another wounded soldier die.”  Yes, the song speaks to fellow believers needing support, comfort and encouragement out in the field; it also does for “our neighbors” who need to see Christ in us.  Paul’s quote in the book of the Acts of the Apostles only enhances my calling, “For in Him [God] we live, and move and have our existence” (17:28).  In his ministry, Jesus associated with all kinds of people and did not “point” fingers at them but showed them love and forgiveness; he did criticize the “religious leaders,” angry at their unjust and pious behaviors (Matthew 23:1-36).  The institutionalized “Church” can actually victimize others and separate itself from others and the world of need, the “we are better than them” attitude.

               I am deeply grateful for Cairn for taking this young man, who lived and identified with a city of need, a field now than ever in need of laborers, and helped build in him a firm foundation of faith and provided him with the tools and skills necessary to be salt and light.  In return, I gladly gave my support to Cairn’s School of Social Work because I knew that Cairn was the only educational institution where believers/Christians would receive the best education in Social Work and be able to integrate their faith in their chosen profession.  Thus, it saddens me to hear that Cairn’s School of Social Work will no longer exist in the Fall of 2021, in spite of the direction that the Council of Social Work Education is moving.  Like many of us social work alumni, we were shocked because the news was sudden like an exploding bomb and without warning.  I understand the Board of Trustees decision is final and that alternatives are in and will be in place to continue Cairn’s mission to “Walk a Different Path.”  Eliminating the School of Social Work truly demonstrates, “walking a different path.”

I shall be telling this with a sigh - Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

 https://youtu.be/0Z1ITMBlPwo

 https://www.facebook.com/100009108756493/videos/2823956604584604/