April 3, 2025

As an organization dedicated to the needs of our patients, licensed clinical social workers and the practice of clinical social work, the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to eradicate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These actions contradict the foundational values of social work, threaten the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities, and hinder clinical social workers’ efforts to ensure equitable access to society’s benefits.

Our profession is built on a commitment to both mental health and social justice, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status—have access to equitable opportunities and care. The dismantling of DEI initiatives undermines these efforts, reinforcing systemic disparities and eroding progress toward a more just society.

The dignity and worth of the person-in-environment is central to clinical social work. We recognize that acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities is essential to affirming the humanity of all individuals. The importance of human relationships further compels us to foster inclusive spaces that support diverse voices and lived experiences.

As social workers, we are bound by the principles of integrity and competence, requiring us to base our practice on evidence and ethical responsibility. Decades of research affirm that culturally competent and inclusive approaches improve client outcomes, making DEI efforts a professional necessity, not a political choice.

CSWA stands firmly against policies that seek to erase or delegitimize DEI initiatives. The attack on DEI principles is a misguided and harmful attack on our profession and the people we serve. We call upon policymakers, educators, and practitioners to uphold the field of clinical social work’s mission by advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and the well-being of all communities.

Stephanie Payne, LCSW, President

Laura W. Groshong, LICSW, Director of Policy and Practice