From April 2002 NASW NEWS
Copyright ©2002, National Association of Social Workers, Inc.

Three Committees Warn Against Racial Profiling

People of Islamic faith "have been unfairly targeted."

Three NASW committees in January issued a statement affirmed by the Board of Directors warning against racial profiling following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"Individuals who follow the Islamic faith or whose families originated in Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighboring countries have been unfairly targeted, harassed, and labeled as terrorists," wrote the International Activities Committee, the Peace and Social Justice Committee and the National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity. "Other individuals, primarily Latinos, or Hispanic Americans, have also been singled out for questioning, searches or detention because they have physical characteristics similar to Middle-Eastern populations."

"Racial profiling is neither an appropriate nor an effective response to prevent future incidents or attacks," the statement said. "It is not an acceptable practice for law enforcement authorities or government agents. Americans should refrain from discriminating against people who share a religion or an ethnic makeup with those who are identified as terrorists."

"In rooting out the causes of violence against the United States, it would be tragic if we harm or turn against individuals or groups solely because of their apparent similarity to known terrorists," said the statement entitled "Healing from Violence, Fear and Loss: Rebuilding in the Aftermath of September 11th."

For statement: www.socialworkers.org/terror/healing.htm

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