The Colorado School Social Work Association stands in solidarity with the Colorado Society of School Psychologists in condemning the acts of racism that took place on February 8, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center during the National Association of School Psychologist Conference.

As school social workers, our ethical values of social justice and integrity guide our work. School social workers are committed to being transformational leaders in promoting equity, inclusivity, and social justice in our schools and in the communities in which our students live and learn.

As Colorado school social workers and with the 2023 National School Social Work Conference coming to our state, we want to be clear that racism and inequality do not have a place in Colorado. We anticipate and are excited for a conference full of learning and connection rooted in an environment of inclusivity. The Colorado School Social Work Association will continue our leadership in promoting the viability and professional excellence of Colorado school social workers, and through that leadership, it is our responsibility to address and disrupt both instances of and systems of inequity. 

The mission of the Colorado School Social Work Association is to enhance the wellbeing of students, families, and the community within the educational system. We must live out this mission and engage in our work in an actively anti-racist manner, and we are committed to this work as our own organization and in solidarity with our Colorado school psychologist colleagues.

For additional information on Racial Equity and Social Justice resources in our profession, please visit sswaa.org/racial-equity-and-social-justice. For more details on the steps being taken by the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center to address the harm caused, we invite you to read the updates provided by the National Association of School Psychologists.