We, the undersigned members of the Tulane University School of Social Work 2025 cohort, write this letter in support of the seven students exercising their right to free speech and peaceful assembly off-campus on March 11.

At TSSW, we learn early and often of the importance of our profession’s code of ethics. Tulane as an institution has made clear to us their commitment to producing social workers of the highest caliber. In pursuit of this, they emphasize to us the paramount value of the profession’s core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

It is in the spirit of upholding these values that we exercise our own speech in support of our colleagues at the wider university. In particular, the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics tells us that “Social workers challenge social injustice.” And further: “Social workers strive to ensure access to … meaningful participation in decision making for all people.” 

Meaningful participation in decision-making is the core of the American Democratic process. Participating in Students for a Democratic Society is how many of our elders did exactly that when they exercised their rights to free speech and free assembly a generation ago. The organization continues to exist today, and these students are again using it as a resource to participate in democracy. If it is, in fact, against the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct to peacefully assemble off-campus with an off-campus organization, we strongly encourage the school to revisit that policy. Now, more than ever, we need the institutions that matter to exhibit courage and integrity. 

To the students: We commend you for your bravery and integrity. Thank you for being an example for all of us here at the school that teaches us to “do work that matters.” We stand with you.

Sincerely,

Danielle Tcholakian

Emily Loubiere

Daniel Ciarfalia

Alejandra Parrilla

Julia Kunis

Anna Mullen

Ellie Moskowitz

Elizabeth Huff

Kennadi Robinson

Allington Bowling

Kennedy Evans

Scout Hansen

Ellen Gagnet

Paul Loeb

Eliza Fillo

Nicole Fanatico

Claire Frederiksen 

Sarah Lambert

Maverick Moore

Wesley Villano

David Bloom

Blake Thacher

Kai Ridley

Katherine Griffin

Stephen Randle (DRLA)

Jared C. Reese (DRLA)