This past week, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) and Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) voted to alter the Texas Social Work Code of Conduct.
The change would allow social workers to discriminate based on a client’s disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Not only is this change inconsistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it could also have serious implications for LGBTQ+ individuals’ access to mental health and other services.
The Social Work Code of Ethics has been a long-standing source of conviction and pride for social workers. This change was made without input from social workers in the state and is directly in conflict with the values of the profession.
Family Eldercare emphatically opposes this change, and any other efforts by legislators to legalize discrimination against any group. We will continue to serve, advocate, and fight for the LGBTQ+ and disability communities.
If you or a loved one is in need of assistance, our team of social workers and other community advocates is here to help regardless of disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Email info@familyeldercare.org or call 512-450-0844 to get referred to the services you need.
If you want to help us overturn this discriminatory ruling, here are 5 steps you can take today:
- Contact Governor Abbott and share your thoughts on this change
- Identify your State Senator and State Representative and contact them via phone or email to share your thoughts
- Sign the online petition organized by the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
- Follow https://www.naswtx.org/news/ to stay up to date on more ways you can act and find examples of language to use when contacting your representatives or testifying at a meeting
- Follow @FamilyEldercare on social media for more actions in the coming days and weeks and #StandWithTXSocialWorkers
