A Walk to End Using the “R” Word

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An event kicked off to eliminate the use of a slur primarily used against people with disabilities.

More than 100 locals took to UMD’s Malosky stadium for the first Spread the Word to End the Word 1 and 5K’s.

The word they want people to refrain from using is retarded.

Which event coordinators say was meant to be a word to diagnose and now it’s being used in a negative way.

“There’s still a significant lack of awareness about people with disabilities, their needs,” Commission on Disabilities Co-chair Andrea Grocke said. “So as possible we’d like to get the word out about treating individuals with disabilities with equality because it’s what they deserve.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Special Olympics.