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‘The use of the term ‘field’ has the potential to trigger further multigenerational trauma and colorism’
The City University of New York’s York College’s Master of Social Work program has eliminated the term “field” from its curriculum, citing its potential to cause trauma for black Americans due to the word’s association with slavery.
The decision, detailed in the college’s course catalogue, reflects a broader trend among social work programs to adopt inclusive language.
The York College program chose “to create an anti-racism learning environment by adopting alternative terminology in the place of the word ‘field,’” its catalogue states.
“The decision was made by the MSW Team due to the term’s association with a painful historical era that inflicted significant harm on Black Americans/African Americans during their enslavement in America,” it adds.
“The use of the term ‘field’ has the potential to trigger further multigenerational trauma and colorism.”
The document states faculty have changed the language throughout the explicit curriculum, including the scholar handbook, website, and practicum manual.
The dean of programs and the CUNY spokesperson did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The College Fix.
The change is not unique to York College.
In 2023, the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work similarly replaced “field” with “practicum,” arguing that the term could be constructed as “anti-black” due to its association with slavery. Smith College’s School of Social Work in 2023 also ended the use of “field” and adopted “practicum” to promote inclusivity.
York College’s program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, trains students for social work in an urban healthcare setting, emphasizing diversity and social justice.
Its mission statement states it is “committed to challenging oppression, embracing diversity, respecting the dignity and worth of all human beings, and promoting social and economic justice.”
The debate over the term “field” remains in flux. In academic contexts, “field” refers to professional placements. The Oxford Dictionary defines “field” as “a particular branch of study or sphere of activity or interest.”
In social work master’s programs, the term “field” typically refers to field education or field placement, a core component of the curriculum. It involves hands-on, supervised practice in real-world social work settings, where students apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
For example, the “field” students could be placed in include hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, or community organizations.
Supporters of removing the term “field” argue it demonstrates cultural sensitivity and helps create safe learning environments. Critics, however, contend it is a performative gesture over a substantive change.
MORE: Smith College ends use of word ‘field’ to promote inclusivity
IMAGE CAPTION & CREDIT: CUNY York College social work logo / screenshot
