CSWE Statements Support Ukraine, LGBTQ+ Children and Families

The Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) published policy statements in March 2022 condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine and Florida’s HB 1557 bill, referred to as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill by critics. 

Excerpt from CSWE statement on the war in Ukraine 

The purpose of the social work profession is to “promote human and community well-being,” and that we achieve this through the “quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally.” 

As social workers, some of whom share connections with Ukrainians, who adhere to a core value of promoting social justice, it is incumbent on us to act. We want to also model our advocacy values and ask our lawmakers to put aside political rhetoric, work together to oppose Russia’s invasion, and support the people of Ukraine. 

Read the full CSWE statement on Ukraine. 

Excerpt from the CSWE statement on Florida’s HB 1557 bill 

This bill would prohibit discussions on sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools throughout Florida. It is not hard to see how this law would create unhealthy learning environments for our children at a time when they need care, support, and acceptance. School personnel, including some social workers and social work students, would have no choice but to prevent any conversations or allow any questions from children who may want to talk about their own thoughts and concerns, as well as about their same-sex parents or loved ones while allowing those discussions about heterosexual parents. 

Laws like these can prevent social work education programs from properly preparing the next generation of social work practitioners to pursue equity and social justice in their practice. 

Read the full CSWE statement on HB 1557. 

Founded in 1952, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. The organization strives to ensure a well-educated social work profession equipped to promote health, well-being, and justice for all people in a diverse society.