Amid reports that some social workers supported and/or attended the storming of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, NASW-CA strongly affirms the call for all social workers to hold themselves accountable to our Code of Ethics. Section 6.04(c) Social and Political Action state that “Social workers should promote conditions that encourage respect…,should promote policies and practices that demonstrate respect for difference, …advocate for programs and institutions that demonstrate cultural competence, and promote policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social justice for all people.”
The events that unfolded in our nation’s capital was beyond personal politics, but rather it was an attack on our democracy to uphold white supremacy and to negate a fair and legitimate election, thus also negating the voices of millions of black and POC voters across the state and nation who made their voices clear on November 3rd of last year. NASW-CA calls on all social workers, elected officials, and community leaders to condemn the events that took place in this unlawful protest.
