“The consequences of one’s actions can affect people in ways he or she never intended,” said Emi Yamamoto, president? of the school Kiwin’s club, about the “R-word Campaign.” Kiwin’s has put up posters about this campaign throughout the campus and has been getting involved with the special education department. Its goal is simple; “to stop the use of offensive terms in describing the developmentally delayed,” Yamamoto said. “The R-word is thrown around as a slang insult among teens, but to those of us who know a disabled person on a personal level, the word hurts. And we (Kiwin’s) just want to stop the use of the R-word as an arbitrary insult.” Jane, the special Olympics coordinator, who approached Kiwin’s President, name, mid-October, requested if Kiwin’s can put in an effort in reducing the use of the “R-word” because it became widespread. Kiwin’s then pledged to help, and will be selling bracelets to donate 100% of its profits to resources for the developmentally delayed, such as those needed to host the special Olympics. By signing their petition to stop the use of the “R-word” and purchasing a bracelet, one can help rid the vulgarity of the “R-word.” Kiwin’s has also put forth efforts to get acquainted with the Special Education department of the school. On Dec. 18, members of Kiwin’s created Christmas cards alongside the developmentally delayed for soldiers deployed in foreign countries. “A mental handicap restricts neither your capacity for compassion nor your sensitivity to offense. One of best ways we can help the community is by helping some of its most loving members,” Yamamoto said.
R-Word Campaign
