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The Michigan
House of Representatives pass the following resolution, offered
by Representative Roger Hauck, to declare March 1, 2017 "Spread
The Word to End the Word Day" in the state of Michigan:
House Resolution No. 31
A resolution to declare March 1, 2017 as “Spread The Word To End
The Word Day” in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, “Spread the Word to End the Word” is an ongoing
campaign, organized by Special Olympics, which asks people to
pledge to stop using the “R-word.” Stopping the use of this
language is a starting point toward creating more accepting
attitudes and communities for all people; and
Whereas, Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions
and the “R-word” perpetuates a hurtful and damaging stigma, no
matter whether it is used carelessly or with specific intent’
and
Whereas, The terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded”
were once medical terms with a specific clinical connotation.
The pejorative forms, “retard” and “retarded” have since been
become too widely used in today’s society as slang to degrade
and insult people with intellectual disabilities; and
Whereas, The pejorative use of the “R-word” only reinforces
painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities
being less valued members of humanity; and
Whereas, Special Olympics and the greater disability community
prefers people-first language in order to focus on people and
their gifts and accomplishments and to dispel negative attitudes
and stereotypes; and
Whereas, Special Olympics is a global leader in providing
continuing opportunities through sports for people with
intellectual disabilities to realize their potential, develop
physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy and
friendship. The organization uses sports as a catalyst for
building communities of understanding, inclusion, and respect;
and Special Olympics believes that when people “Play Unified”
they will “Live Unified”; and
Whereas, March 1, 2017 is the annual day of heightened awareness
about and active support of the Spread the Word to End the Word
efforts; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of
Representatives, that members of this legislative body declare
March 1, 2017 as “Spread The Word To End The Word” Day in the
state of Michigan. We call upon society to pledge to use
respectful, people-first language and proclaim our support and
affinity for respectful discourse toward all.
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