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K-State Today

October 23, 2012

Union and Project SEARCH campaign to end use of R-word

Submitted by Maggie Stephens

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The K-State Student Union has partnered with Project SEARCH students in the national "spread the word to end the word" campaign designed to stop people from saying the R-word.

According to Project SEARCH, the R-word, or retarded, when used about a person is hurtful, exclusive, offensive and derogatory. The use of the term is considered hate speech and only reinforces painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities being less valued members of humanity.

The Union currently employs Project SEARCH students to bring opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Project SEARCH is a federally-funded grant to provide a program to teach job and employability skills. The primary goal of the Union and Project SEARCH collaboration is to secure competitive employment outcomes for each graduate.

To learn more about Project SEARCH student involvement in the R-word campaign, visit the group's informational table from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 26 on the Union's first-floor concourse.

For more information about the R-word campaign or Project SEARCH, visit r-word.org or projectsearch.us. To learn more about the Union’s partnership with Project SEARCH, contact Charlotte Self at charlotte@k-state.edu or 785-532-7338.