The students here in Sierra Linda celebrated the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, on March, Wednesday 9 hosted by the Special Services teacher, Ms. Richard, who is strongly passionate about banning the R-Word.

The fire department was here for 3 days straight to have our students here sign the banner and to pledge to not use the R-Word. This campaign was held here at Sierra Linda High School, outside of the 700 building, where the fire department gave out stickers if you signed the banner and also were allowed to ride in the fire truck.The campaign is where you pledge to not use the R-Word in a threatening way and not label our special kids in that matter.

“Spread the Word to End the Word” is an on going annual event that is specially for the intellectually disabled. Which is celebrated by the people who are for banning the R-Word and want the kids to know that it’s a very hurtful word that shouldn’t be used to insult one another or to make fun of. The students from Sierra Linda had been celebrating the event, along with the fire department and staff through the week, having students sign the banner to pledge for banning the R-Word.

This campaign was created by youth, which was intended to have schools, organizations, and communities to help and support. It was founded by the following college students, Soeren Palumbo and Tim Shriver in 2009, which continued to be led by the people who are passionate about banning the word and are supported by the Special Olympics athletes and best buddies participants all across from the United States, as well in many other parts of the world. The reason behind creating this campaign is for the respect of our special kids and to show them that the word shouldn’t be labeled to who they are and that they can feel welcomed with society.

Do you want the R-Word banned? lets find out what our students and teachers here in Sierra Linda think.

Ms. Richards, Special ED Teacher

What was the reason to this Campaign?

“the reason to this campaign was how I wanted people to stop the use of the R-Word, because I believe there isn’t such a word and shouldn’t be a word to label them.”

How do you react when you hear the R-Word used as a threat?

“I would respond in a positive way and tell the students or person who uses it, politely and tell them there’s no such thing in that word and shouldn’t be used.”

Leslie Diaz Leyva, class of 2017

Are you for banning the R-Word? Or against it? Why?

“I’m for banning it because it’s just makes people feel like they can’t do things right and it’s rude to the special kids.”

If people would have heard it outside how do you think people would react?

“If people would have heard it outside, I think people wouldn’t really react to it or maybe some might even laugh because it’s funny to some people for some apparent reason, which is very rude and shouldn’t be something to be laughed at.”

Why did you think they want to ban it?

“I think they want to ban it so that everyone feels equal and not be labeled as ‘Retarted’.”

Did you sign the banner?

“Yes, I did.”

Jennifer Manzano, class of 2018

Are you for banning the R-Word? Or against it? Why?

“I’m for banning it, because I think it’s messed up to keep calling people a retard. it can really lower someone’s self esteem, also its disrespectful towards the ones who are mentally challenged.”

If people would have heard it outside how do you think people would react?

“I don’t think people will react to it as much as other people will, since not a lot of people think about it what it is.”

Why did you think they want to ban it?

“I think they want to ban it because they want the ones who are mentally challenged to feel welcomed, instead of feeling bad about themselves.”

Did you sign the banner?

“No I wasn’t here for that day, but I would have if I were to be here.”