Feature
February
24
The R-Word
by Amie M. Trahan
Vandebilt Catholic High School Senior High Student Council is seeking local support in their Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. This campaign is an effort to take a stand against a word that has gained popularity, but is nonetheless offensive. The “R-word” or “retard(ed)” has found a place in common language and seems to be generally accepted.
For years people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have had to overcome the challenges of social stereotypes. The use of hurtful words, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who love them.
Children and adults with Down syndrome, autism and other intellectual and developmental challenges accomplish great things. They are members of local schools, communities and churches. They inspire and enrich the lives of those who love them. These amazing human beings deserve the same respect and dignity that each of us expects.
Vandebilt’s Spread the Word to End the Word campaign will take place at the school on March 14 and 16.
Leading up to the event, public service announcements and other videos about the use of this word and its hurtful consequences will be shown. Videos will be made by the student body and downloaded from the Special Olympics website.
The student council will also encourage students to pledge not to use the “R-word” as an insult. The council will be selling support pledges for $1. The pledges will be represented in a variety of colors and will be displayed in the main hallway displaying a “Rainbow of Respect.” The proceeds from the sales will go to support the charities of the Special Olympics, Reece’s Rainbow and Abilitypath.org. Special Olympics t-shits will also be sold.
On event day, the school will participate in a school-wide dress down day. The student body is encouraged to wear the Special Olympic t-shirt to celebrate. On this day, students can pay $1 per item of casual clothing, including t-shirts, jeans and sneakers, to support the charities of the Special Olympics, Reece’s Rainbow, and Abilitypath.org.
For more information contact Amie Trahan at atrahan@htdiocese.org.
