BHS students campaign to end R word

The latest addition to Bedford High School’s spirit wear is a gray shirt that says “Spread the word to end the word.”

The reference is to the word “retard” or “retarded,” mentioned by campaign supporters as the “R-Word.”

“Spread the Word” is a project supported by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and many other organizations to encourage more respectful language when referring to people who have intellectual disabilities.

In keeping with this year’s “Spread the Word” national campaign date of March 1, BHS students adopted the theme into their tradition of creating T-shirt fundraisers supporting favorite causes.

The “Spread the Word” shirts were on sale Feb. 27 to March 3 and about 100 shirts were sold by March 2.

Wristbands showing support for Special Olympics also were available for those who bought shirts or signed a pledge sign.

Part of the proceeds from the $10 sales will go to Special Olympics.

Hannah Wheeler, a senior, was credited with coming up with the T-shirt idea and getting help from marketing students to make it happen.

She explained that there had been posters and pledge campaigns in previous years for the campaign, the shirts were a way to step it up.

Those who volunteered to help included juniors Amber Kelly and Abby Monroe, who pointed to the strong involvement among the students on behalf of Special Olympics, All Mules Matter and other projects.

“It’s disrespectful,” Amber said about the discouraged word.

For more information, go to www.r-word.org.