Volunteers ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’
EDMOND — The message coming out of Edmond North High School was clear.
The R-Word, or “retard,” is hurtful and shouldn’t be used.
Substitute teacher Carmen Mayer, a Special Olympics volunteer, was busy getting the message out that the word is harmful for people with intellectual disabilities. Even if not directed to someone with a disability, the word just should not be used, volunteers told Edmond North students.
Friday’s outreach was part of a wider effort from Special Olympics Project Unify, known as “Spread the Word to End the Word.”
Students, teachers and other well-wishers were encouraged to sign a banner outside the school cafeteria demonstrating a commitment not to use the word.
One of Mayer’s three daughters, Waverly Mayer, a sophomore at North, described the project.
“We were so happy our Edmond North administration supported our cause. We partnered up with Huskies For Equality to get the word out about the offensive, dehumanizing and hurtful speech toward people with intellectual disabilities,” she said. “North allowed us to put together a great unifying event bringing students with and without disabilities together to promote a culture of inclusion, acceptance and respect.”
Waverly and her sister Samantha have another sister Mini, who is intellectually disabled.
First-year special education teacher Nathan Tucker said the movement has been around for years, but awareness remains necessary.
“It’s still very needed,” he said. “I hear it in the halls sometimes and you really never know who else hears it.”
If a special needs student hears it, the result can be heartbreaking. Mayer and Duncan said it can seriously hurt a student’s feelings and sense of self-esteem.
The word is commonly used by some people to describe a person or situation deemed as stupid.
The usage can be casual and people don’t even realize what they’re saying. Organizers hope even casual uses, not directed at special-needs people, can be avoided.
During lunchtime Friday, hundreds of North students walked by the table and looked at the literature and signs urging people to just say “no” to the R-word.