NASW Statement on Donald J. Trump Election as 45th U.S. President

As of this week, the American people know Donald J. Trump as the  45th U.S. President. For some Americans this is disappointing news for others it is the best week ever. Fortunately, organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest professional social work association in the world (with more than 125,000 members) , is urging President-Elect Donald Trump to help heal divisiveness, trauma from his discriminatory statements regarding women, people of color and immigrants. At the same time, Americans acknowledge we must work with the new administration to address pressing issues of the day, including justice reforms, racial and gender inequality, access to health care for all, and helping more U.S. citizens to achieve economic self-sufficiency and stability.

The NASW Code of Ethics makes clear the importance of social justice. NASW cannot support any efforts to marginalize or oppress any group of people, and the organization will always work to assure that human rights extend to everyone. Moreover, social workers continue to strongly advocate for the country’s most vulnerable populations. As of this week, President-Elect Trump has said he is committed to restoring economic prosperity to the United States, helping more Americans afford care for their children and relatives who are older adults, and providing more services to our nation’s brave veterans and their families. The goal is to build on these commonalities to move the country forward while holding Mr. Trump accountable for his promises. This includes Mr. Trump and his administration healing the divisiveness and trauma his campaign has caused among some communities and populations.  NASW is ready to help ensure these actions are done in a socially responsible and unifying manner.

NASW firmly supports the nation’s efforts to move forward in a positive way that acknowledges the inherent dignity and worth of all people.  Specifically, NASW will work to ensure that President-Elect Trump appoints justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and judges to the Circuit Courts of Appeals and lower Federal District Courts who come from diverse gender and ethnic backgrounds and will protect the rights of all citizens.

Additionally, NASW congratulates Democrat nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton for her years of service. Mrs. Clinton has a long history of working for positive social change in areas of importance to social workers, including health care reform; the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment; reproductive rights for women; racial justice and equal rights for people who are LGBT. Because at the end of the day everyone deserves the chance to pursue and achieve their dreams.

As Mrs. Clinton said in her concession speech, “let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear; making our economy work for everyone not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet and breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams.”

About the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with more than 125,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

 

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