By Melvin H. Wilson, MBA, LCSW NASW Senior Policy Consultant Social Justice and Human Rights And Samantha Fletcher, PhD, MSW Executive Director, NASW New York State Chapter Police in Rochester, NY on Jan. 30 used pepper spray and handcuffs to subdue a nine-year-old girl. The incident leading up to this police encounter is reported to have been related to ... Read More »
I am writing to you during one of most difficult times I remember in this country of ours. We are the observers of a President who acts at times like a fascist dictator, not like a caring leader. He has fueled the flames of racism. As Americans, we can respect the office of the Presidency while being critical the man ... Read More »
June 5, 2020 About Social Work Responds The Association of Social Work Boards, the Council on Social Work Education, and the National Association of Social Workers are committed to collaborating on the range of issues affecting the social work profession and the people and communities we serve in this ever-changing and unsettling environment created by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Follow ... Read More »
The National Association of Social Workers Iowa Chapter (NASW Iowa) condemns the killing of two local police officers in apparent ambush-style shootings and will continue its work with police and community organizations to improve the relationship between law enforcement officers and the public they serve. NASW Iowa sends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Urbandale Police Officer ... Read More »
For the second time in less than two weeks, the Louisiana Chapter of NASW (NASW-LA) offers its deepest condolences to families in our community who have lost loved ones. This time, we extend our sincere sympathy to the families of law enforcement officers Montrell Jackson, Brad Garafola, and Matthew Gerald who were killed by the senseless ambush of law enforcement ... Read More »
NASW STATEMENT: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers its condolences to the family and colleagues of three slain Baton Rouge law enforcement officers and urges legislators, the police and the public peacefully come together to address gun violence, enact sensible gun laws, and help police improve relations with the communities they serve. Baton Rouge law enforcement officers Montrell ... Read More »
NASW STATEMENT: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is appalled by the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and again urges reforms that would help end racial profiling and excessive use of police force and improve relations between police and the communities they serve. It is also important that we express how deeply NASW is upset about ... Read More »
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) chapters and officials are reacting to the death of Freddie Gray while in custody of Baltimore City police, the resulting civil unrest, and the charges filed against six police officers in connection with Gray’s death. Here are NASW responses: We are horrified and deeply saddened by the circumstances which led to his death. We ... Read More »
Recent cases involving the injury or deaths of people of color during encounters with law enforcement officers have put more attention on racial profiling, according to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Justice Brief The Role of Racial Profiling in Encounters with Law Enforcement. Studies show people are more likely to stop people of color for traffic violations, ... Read More »
It has been more than two months since a policeman in Ferguson, MO, shot and killed unarmed African American teenager Michael Brown, sparking protests in that city and around the nation. Despite the tragedy the National Association of Social Workers and other organizations see the incident as opportunity to end police profiling of people of color and apply best practices ... Read More »
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