Spread the Word to End the Word

Published March 10, 2016

The Brentwood High School Best Buddies program is joining other schools across the district and the nation in asking students and staff to “spread the word to end the word.”

The R-word is the word retard(ed). The campaign asks students and staff to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

“This campaign is about treating everyone with respect,” said BHS Best Buddies President Caroline Enright. “It’s simple. Many people who use the word ‘retarded’ don’t truly realize how much it hurts people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as friends and family who love them. Using the R-word is degrading and unnecessary. Please help us stop the use of the hateful word and be nice.”

In the video below, which was produced by BHS TV & Film student Emma Richards, students and staff explain why this is such an important campaign.