More than 180 students and staff at Westerville North purchased T-shirts in support of the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign.
In a stunning show of support for people with disabilities, Westerville North High School students and staff celebrated their differences by dressing the same on Wednesday, March 4. More than 180 individuals purchased T-shirts to raise awareness about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retarded.” Supporters signed gigantic banners pledging to stop using that word, and encouraging others to do the same. A “Celebrating Our Differences” luncheon was held in the Atrium, with massive quantities of delicious food having been donated by local establishments who champion the cause.
“Many people use the r-word in conversation without even being aware they are using it or thinking about how it impacts others,” said Amy Brill, a teacher of students with severe and multiple disabilities, and organizer of the event. “When casually using the word to refer to an action that is less than ideal, we are making someone with a disability feel less than human, whether we mean to or not. You may not think of using the word as hate speech or bullying, but that is exactly what it feels like to millions of disabled people. We are asking for your help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Those who may appear different have unique gifts and talents to share with the world.”
Brill thanked everyone who worked so hard to make the event a smashing success, including all the local establishments who donated food – Las Margaritas, Pasquale’s, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy Johns, Classic Pizza, Jet’s Pizza, Pepsi, Sunny Street Café, Raising Canes, Max and Erma’s, Chipotle, Little Caesar’s, Kroger, Schneider’s, Fat Girl’s Bakery, Subway, and the Westerville North Science Department.
Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and other supports. Learn more about it at www.r-word.org.