Affirming Support for Affirmative Action

NASW has long supported affirmative action as a means of addressing discrimination still prevalent in U.S. society. While progress has been made as a result of civil rights action and legislation, discriminatory habits, customs and attitudes do not change easily. Opportunities in education, employment, housing, and contracting remain constricted. Affirmative action plans and policies continue to be needed in a variety of contexts to assist women and historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups. Promoting the intent of affirmative action to lessen the impact of past discrimination and ensure inclusion in present day opportunities continues to be a high priority for social workers.

Information about NASW’s involvement in, and response to, the Supreme Court decisions in Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger is available below. Other information on affirmative action is also collected here, for your convenience.

NASW Supports Supreme Court Decisions on Affirmative Action (NASW Press Release; 06/23/03)

Background

Affirmative Action - NASW Policy Statement (Social Work Speaks Abstracts)

 High Court to Rule, Brief Backs University of Michigan (April 2003 NASW NEWS)

 What Direction Are The Courts Moving With Affirmative Action? (March 2002 Legal Issue of the Month)

Social Work Talking Points on Affirmative Action (Tips on the value of affirmative action)

 Affirmative Action Resources, Organizations, and Web sites (A list of organizations and web sites)

NASW and Other Social Work Organizations Join Brief of Amici Curiae American Council on Education along with Other Higher Education Organizations in Support of Respondents (Gratz v. Bollinger Supreme Court brief joined by NASW and other social work organizations)

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