From: Miami University Best Buddies [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rosie Landau
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 12:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: {spam?} End the R-word Day

It's time to Spread the Word to End the Word.

Spread the Word to End the Word is a National Awareness Day to raise awareness of the hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)" and encourage people to pledge to stop using it.  On March 31, 2009, young people across the country will lead local efforts to raise awareness and collect pledges from peers and the community to vow not to use the R-word.

Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with Intellectual Disabilities.  However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word "retard(ed)."  Most people don't think of this wordas hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends.  Using "retard" as a term of derision is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.

This is something that is very important to me; the word "retard(ed)" is very offensive to me.  Therefore, I would like to ask you to please visit http://www.r-word.org/ to learn more about the campaign to end the r-word and pledge not to use it.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.  Thank you for your support.  Together we can end the use of the r-word and continue to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Thank you,
Rosie Landau


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Rosie Landau
Best Buddies-College Buddy Director
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
c. 847-370-9174