HIGH POINT, N.C., March 20, 2012 -High Point University sophomore Kendall Hager, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity recently dedicated their time to host several events on campus that encouraged students to eliminate the use of the “R” word.
The groups teamed together to present a campaign on campus, called “Spread the Word to End the Word,” to help eliminate the use of the “R Word” – retard or retarded, which has evolved in common language to become a derogatory and hurtful insult to people with intellectual disabilities. The campaign was implemented nationally by the Special Olympics.
Events that took place throughout the week included:
– A screening of the acclaimed HBO documentary “Monica and David,” the story of two adults with Down Syndrome who explore independence, face the challenges of living with a disability and share extraordinary love.
– Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to stop by tables in the University Center and the Slane Center to sign a pledge to help stop the use of the “R” word. T-shirts and promotional materials were also distributed by the Special Olympics. Those who signed the pledge were entered into a prize raffle.
“Because we still face the challenge of creating a society that fosters respect and dignity for everyone, causally using the word ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’ is highly offensive,” Hagar says. “I would never utter that word, even as a reference point in this conversation. That’s the level of awareness and sensitivity we are working to achieve, and I believe it is within reach. I really don’t think people use the word to be hurtful; they just don’t realize the negativity connected to it. Our job is not to scold anyone, but rather to create an awareness that brings out the basic kindness I believe we all have inside us.”
For more information about the campaign, visit www.r-word.org. For more information about the documentary, visit http://www.monicaanddavid.com/ and www.facebook.com/MonicaandDavid.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. HPU was selected in the 2010-2011 list of “Colleges of Distinction,” as well as one of the top green schools in the country by the Sierra Club. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 40 undergraduate minors and 10 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]