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NASW Pennsylvania deeply saddened by death of Antwon Rose, urges policing reforms


MECHANICSBURG, PA – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Pennsylvania Chapter is deeply saddened by the death of Antwon Rose, an unarmed Pittsburgh teenager who was shot while running from police.  We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

Unfortunately, police shootings of unarmed people of color such as Rose occur too frequently in our nation. NASW again urges policing reforms, including the end of racial profiling and excessive use of police force. We also ask that police improve relations with the communities they serve.   

NASW commends people who are protesting the tragic death of Antwon Rose. We hope the protests will be safe for all involved, and police will respect the rights of those who protest. We also urge authorities to work quickly and fairly to investigate this shooting and bring justice.   

The social work profession has a long history of working to end all vestiges of institutional racism and racial disparities, including in law enforcement. We urge social workers in the Pittsburgh area and around the Commonwealth to work to heal our communities and bring about positive reforms.

Social workers interested in taking part in future efforts in the Pittsburgh area should contact Kevin Caridad at 724-814-9708 or Kevincaridad@gmail.com.   Let us work together and bring positive reforms to honor the memory of Antwon Rose.   

NASW Resources: 

The Role of Racial Profiling in Encounters with Law Enforcement

Ferguson, Missouri Aftermath: National Implications for Disparities in the Criminal Justice Continuum

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

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