Navigating Field Education in a Politically-Evolved America

Authors

  • Candace L. Riddley Jackson State University
  • Angela R. Savage Jackson State University
  • Ahfiya J. Howard East Texas A&M University
  • Vené C. Baggett Texas A&M University – Central Texas
  • Brian E. Anderson Jackson State University
  • Yarneecia D. Dyson University of Houston

Keywords:

social work programs, political climate, historically Black colleges and universities, placement challenges, safety

Abstract

Field education is widely recognized as the signature pedagogy of social work, connecting classroom learning to professional practice. At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), field education is closely centered on social justice, advocacy, and equity. However, the current political climate has made field placements more difficult, especially because of laws and policy changes affecting LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, reproductive rights, and communities of color. These challenges can make it harder for students to find placements that match their values and may also create concerns about their safety. Because many HBCU students come from marginalized communities, these challenges can limit their opportunities to gain meaningful learning and advocacy experience. In response, social work programs are strengthening oversight, implementing safety protocols, and exploring innovative placement models. This reflective essay examines how politics shape field education at HBCUs and highlights the need for flexibility, innovation, and continued commitment to social work values.

Author Biographies

Candace L. Riddley, Jackson State University

Candace L. Riddley, PhD, LCSW (she/her) is Assistant Professor and Interim BSW Program Chair, School of Social Work, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS (601-955-2709, candace.l.riddley@jsums.edu, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcandaceriddley).

Angela R. Savage, Jackson State University

Angela R. Savage, DSW, LMSW is Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS (601-979-8814, angela.r.savage@jsums.edu).

Ahfiya J. Howard, East Texas A&M University

Ahfiya Howard, PhD, LMSW (she/her) is Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX (ahfiya.howard@etamu.edu, 903-468-8100).

Vené C. Baggett, Texas A&M University – Central Texas

Vené C. Baggett, MSW, LCSW (she/her) is Assistant Lecturer/Field Coordinator, Social Work, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Killeen, TX (vene.c.baggett@gmail.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcbaggett).

Brian E. Anderson, Jackson State University

Brian E. Anderson, PhD, LMSW is Professor, School of Social Work, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS (601-979-0509, brian.e.anderson@jsums.edu).

Yarneecia D. Dyson, University of Houston

Yarneccia D. Dyson, PhD, MSW is Dean and Professor, Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX (713-743-1051, yddyson@central.uh.edu, @uh_gcswdean).

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Riddley, C. L., Savage, A. R., Howard, A. J., Baggett, V. C., Anderson, B. E., & Dyson, Y. D. (2026). Navigating Field Education in a Politically-Evolved America. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 32(2), 97–100. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2299