Democratic lawmakers raised early and pointed concerns Tuesday over what they described as the mysterious and unexplained push to repeal the law establishing the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work. An email to the School of Social Work seeking comment was not immediately returned. He noted that other Alabama universities—including Auburn, the University of North Alabama, and UAB—do not have standalone social work schools. Democratic lawmakers warned that the bill could open the door to dismantling the entire social work curriculum or eliminating data central to the profession—particularly statistics documenting racial disparities and poverty. Democrats also argued that the state’s shortage of social workers stems from low pay, questioning the argument against the existence of a standalone school.