Today, Georgia elected its first-ever African American and Jewish U.S. senators—a milestone for racial justice, inclusion and equity. A day of victory for free and fair elections turned dark when mob violence erupted in our nation’s capital and the final constitutional step in sealing the November presidential election was disrupted by rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol.
We join with UW President Ana Mari Cauce in deploring this unprecedented violence directed against our democracy and the elected officials conducting the people’s business as prescribed by the U.S. Constitution [See the President’s comments here.]
For weeks, national leaders have failed to heed the warnings of state election officials about how false claims and heated rhetoric would lead to increased threats and possible violence. Words have consequences.
As social workers, we work to create a more just society and to strengthen the bonds of community that are necessary for a healthy and democratic nation. In seeing both the best and worst in our country today, we will only redouble our efforts.
In Solidarity,
The UW School of Social Work Leadership Team