What a surprise! I have no doubt that in a few years, Will may even see a bias in the mainstream media. By then, though, he will have to tell us about it from a soapbox in the park. Or telepathi*ally by squeezing his eyes really tight.

* as in cat. Denied by Spam Hound.

I agree with Darrell. It is never any surprise to learn of an active effort to create and enforce a politi*al orthodoxy in a field in the humanities.

(* as in cat)

Here is the Response from NASW's Executive Director that was sent to the Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/19/AR2007101902281.html

Code of Concern

Dear Washington Post Editors:

Conservative columnist George F. Will has taken public umbrage with the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics and its mandate that adherents advocate for social justice. In his review of a National Association of Scholars report, Mr. Will ignores the context in which professional education and training occurs—for all professions. This criticism misrepresents social work education and is a disservice to our members and the clients they serve.

Social workers are committed to solving social problems while helping people improve their quality of life; fairness is a defining characteristic of the profession. Like all citizens of a participatory democracy, it is critical for social work students to develop the skills necessary to advocate within available legal and political structures.

Social work students learn to use advocacy for the benefit of individuals, families and populations who are most vulnerable to the unresolved social problems of the day. Services for veterans, children, chronically ill persons, the elderly, and struggling families are improved by social work advocacy.

Members of NASW hold a diverse array of opinions on many social issues, including abortion and homosexuality as mentioned in Will’s column. However, professional social workers are united in their commitment to respecting the rights of clients to access services and expand options available to them. Social workers do not apologize for caring about people who are marginalized by society, nor do we apologize for holding members of our profession to high standards.

Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, MSW, MPH
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers

Wow, and in no way did that response address the issue about how the NASW requires students to pledge to do things their way, as if that is the only way things can be done.

Don't be silly; you're assuming there might be another approach to solving problems than the one espoused by the NASW.

Since you think that, you must not really care . . .