Dr. Leah Prussia appointed as Chair of the Council on Environmental Justice and Human Rights

In a significant step forward in the intersection of social work and environmental justice, Dr. Leah Prussia, an associate professor of Social Work, has been named the chair of the newly established Council on Environmental Justice and Human Rights (CEJHR) by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious appointment underscores Dr. Prussia’s remarkable dedication and contributions to the field, emphasizing her leadership in integrating environmental stewardship with social work principles.

The intersection of social work and environmental justice

Upon her appointment, Dr. Prussia expressed her enthusiasm. “It is truly an honor to serve the profession with other esteemed colleagues throughout the nation. The elevation of the Environmental Justice and Human Rights Committees to a joint Council spotlights the urgency of addressing the impacts of our changing climate on people and the planet. I look forward to working with the CEJHR to shape professional educational standards and practices.”

As Dr. Prussia steps into her role leading the CEJHR, the Council has outlined several strategic goals to guide their mission of integrating environmental justice principles within the sphere of social work:

• To provide leadership for the advancement of human rights and the rights of nature.
• To educate social workers about the global environmental crisis, the impact of climate change and the disproportionate impact on communities and ecologies, including the historical and continuing colonialist behaviors that led us to this situation.
• To identify policy implications and mechanisms, advocating for the enhancement and protection of the earth, nature and peoples across the globe.
• To advocate for the sovereignty of Indigenous and tribal nations and the importance of place and land-based knowledge and practices within social work education.
• To recommend the inclusion and development of interventions that redress oppressive structural barriers that interfere with restorative healing.

Uniquely positioned to lead the CEJHR

Dr. Prussia’s background uniquely positions her to lead the CEJHR. She has long championed the importance of connecting individuals to their environments to foster health and wellness. Her integrative approach combines teachings from Anishinaabe Elders, Nature, Somatic Experiencing and Relational-Cultural Theory to address not just the psychological and physical, but also the spiritual well-being of individuals.

Dr. Prussia is also presently involved with Waankam: People for the Estuary, a small group that is educating the Twin Ports area about the Rights of Nature and working toward the Rights of the St. Louis River Estuary, which holds ecological and spiritual significance for the Anishinaabe.

Her achievements and approach to social work and environmental justice have not gone unnoticed. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr. Prussia’s expertise, dedication and significant contributions to the field of social work,” remarked Dr. Hilary Weaver, the Board Chair of the CSWE. “Her invaluable expertise and insights will contribute to promoting excellence and advancing the quality of social work programs nationwide.”

As she begins her tenure with the CEJHR, Dr. Prussia is poised to collaboratively shape the future of social work education, underscoring the indispensable role of environmental justice in cultivating a just and equitable society.