What Does Unite Social Workers

Columnist George F. Will has taken umbrage at the code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and its mandate that adherents advocate social justice ["Code of Coercion," op-ed, Oct. 14]. Will ignored the context in which education and training occur. His criticism misrepresented social work education and was a disservice to our members and the clients they serve.

Our members hold a diverse array of opinions on social issues, but they are united in their commitment to respecting the rights of clients to gain access to services and expanding options available to them. Social workers do not apologize for caring about people marginalized by society, nor do we apologize for holding members of our profession to high standards.

-- Elizabeth J. Clark

Washington

The writer is executive director of the National Association of Social Workers.