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NASW Colorado supports grand jury decision to indict police, paramedics involved in death of Elijah McClain


DENVER, CO - The National Association of Social Workers Colorado Chapter (NASW Colorado) strongly supports the decision of the Grand Jury to indict on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide the three police officers and two paramedics who were involved in the tragic murder of Elijah McClain on August 24, 2019.


Elijah should be alive and with us today. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as they process this news and prepare for the next steps in continuing to pursue justice on behalf of Elijah and the countless others who have lost their lives in similar incidents involving the historic abuse of power in law enforcement.


NASW Colorado is committed to continuing and expanding the chapter’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (JEDI) work and community engagement moving forward, in hopes that a continued focus on these efforts will lead to a decrease in these tragic incidents in the future, while continuing to hold accountable the systems that serve to disproportionately oppress individuals and communities of color in our state and our nation.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. 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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