Strategizing ADEI Implementation of the 2022 EPAS During Sociopolitical Unrest: A National Survey

Schools of social work have faced substantial challenges implementing Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 2022 accreditation requirements for anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI). Introduced during intensifying sociopolitical debate surrounding DEI initiatives, these revised competencies required programs to navigate complex political, organizational, and educational contexts. This 2023–2024 national survey of CSWE-accredited programs examined implementation strategies for Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards Competencies 2 and 3. Of 931 social work program leaders invited to participate, 94 responded (10%). Using qualitative thematic analysis alongside descriptive quantitative analysis and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as an interpretive framework, the study identified three themes: confronting political and legislative threats, navigating variable institutional engagement, and strategic implementation under constraint. Programs that aligned with CSWE standards and institutionalized ADEI within policies and practices demonstrated more comprehensive implementation efforts. In contrast, programs in politically and institutionally constrained environments often relied on adaptive strategies to maintain compliance. Religious minorities were among the groups least represented within ADEI frameworks, while LGBTQIA+ populations experienced gaps between symbolic and substantive support. These findings advance understanding of how sociopolitical contexts shape social work education and offer practical guidance for programs operating under similar constraints.