On April 26, 2012 the U.S. Senate reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) including the provision of expanded protections for Native Americans, immigrants (including undocumented), and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. However, it soon became clear that the Republican lead House of Representatives would not vote for the Senate version of the Act so long as it included the expanded... 

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (or IDAHO) is an opportunity to draw attention to the inequities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons every day and in every part of the world.  It is also a day to recognize and continue the progress that has been made towards achieving LGBT rights. Heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia create an environment of discrimination... 

On April 26, 2012 the U.S. Senate reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) including the provision of expanded protections for Native Americans, undocumented immigrants, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. However, it soon became clear that the Republican lead House of Representatives would not vote for the Senate version of the Act so long as it included the expanded protections.... 

For the first time in the history of our country a sitting President has publicly announced his personal support for same-sex marriage.  The announcement by President Obama, coming off the heels of the disappointing North Carolina vote to ban same-sex marriages through a constitutional amendment, speaks volumes for the marriage equality movement and ignites hope in the LGBT community. NASW has long held the position... 

The pervasive use of racial profiling as a policing tactic is an example of a social justice issue that is in need of reform. According to the World English Dictionary, racial profiling is defined as, an assumption of criminality among ethnic groups: the alleged policy of some police to attribute criminal intentions to members of some ethnic groups and to stop and question them in disproportionate numbers without probable... 

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is expected to come up for reauthorization in the Senate next week.  (We previously wrote about this bill back in January.)  The protections the reauthorized bill would offer for all women, regardless of their circumstances, are crucial.  VAWA establishes a comprehensive network of cost-effective standards that keeps women safe, holds perpetrators accountable, and saves money... 

From PublicEngagement@epa.gov Special Announcement The White House Council on Women and Girls On Tuesday, April 24th, 2012, from 10:30am to 11:30am EDT, The White House Council on Women and Girls will host a special White House event on girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This event is designed to inspire girls to study STEM subjects and pursue STEM careers and will feature a panel of distinguished... 

Congressman Edolphus Towns (NY-10) has been an unwavering advocate for the profession of social work throughout his 15-term tenure in the United States House of Representatives and NASW celebrates his lifelong career of service to others. Congressman Towns, as a professional social worker with an MSW from Adelphi University, has devoted his life to addressing issues of inequality and social justice. He has served as Chairman... 

April 17 is Equal Pay Day. That date marks the amount of time women must work each year before their pay catches up with men’s compensation for the same job. The signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Act in 2009 helped, as that legislation provided victims of discrimination a broader timeframe in which to seek legal remedies. However, it did not actually require the pay gap to be narrowed or eliminated. Now, we commemorate... 

Stigma and discrimination are universally experienced by persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.   It has been determined that homophobia, stigma, and discrimination negatively affect the health and well-being of clients and communities, and can result in the added burden of stress and health disparities. Experienced on the personal or individual and community level, stigma is an obstacle to prevention, care and...