Everyone at the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) was stunned and disheartened to learn of the recent changes to the Texas Social Work Code of Conduct, allowing social workers to refuse service to people based on disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Governor Greg Abbott submitted this request and did not honor the 30-day requirement for public comment. The change was voted on and approved at a joint meeting of the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) and the Behavioral Health Executive Council, TSBSWE’s governing body. The Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers was not consulted about this change and they are mobilizing action steps to fight this decision.
Social workers fight every day to serve the needs of people who are frequently dismissed by others. To give permission for any professional social worker to discriminate towards vulnerable populations is a lack of basic human decency. There has never been a more important time for us as social workers to make our values known.
The GWF serves individuals, care partners, families, and healthcare professionals who are impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease. According to the legal definition of “disability”, all individuals who have received a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are considered disabled and can be denied service by social workers based upon the changes made to the Texas Social Work Code of Conduct.
It is appalling to think anyone could be turned away because of a diagnosis that defines them as disabled, who they choose to love, or the gender they identify with. As a result of the changes to the Texas Social Work Code of Conduct, lives will be lost, and people will be treated unfairly and not represented at a time when a public health crisis is a daily reality.
The Code of Ethics as set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) states the following regarding the ethical responsibility related to discrimination:
Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.
While the GWF is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, our staff are licensed social workers. This allows us to expand the level of services to individuals and families impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The GWF will always honor and abide by the NASW Code of Ethics and will not tolerate or allow any staff member, student intern, board member, or volunteer to discriminate against any individual or group for any reason. The GWF is currently working on several initiatives specific to the LGBTQIA+ community and we will continue to provide services to all individuals impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. We will always honor our core value of respect—holding each of you in highest regard for your unique life experiences.